Dorothy Bloxom, 89
Dorothy Elaine Bloxom, 89, passed away Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at her home in Sandpoint, Idaho.
A reception to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the North Summit Church in Sandpoint from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Dorothy was born to Loren and Vada Barber on Jan. 5, 1935, in Prosser, Wash. Her mother passed away when Dorothy was 7 years old. When her father married Ida, she and her older sister Shirley gained a stepmother and two brothers, Don and Duane “Bud.” After graduation from Prosser High School, she began working at Hanford in Richland, Wash.
It was in Richland that Dorothy met her future husband, Bill Bloxom. The couple married Oct. 16, 1954, and Dorothy moved to Bill’s hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho, where they began their family of five children, three girls and two boys. When the children were young, Dorothy focused most of her time on homemaking but worked off and on at an accounting office.
Learning how to crochet, knit, and sew became a hobby out of necessity with five kids in the house. Gardening, canning, and fishing were also family pastimes that created lasting memories. When the children were old enough to leave home, Dorothy worked for more than a decade as the deputy clerk of Bonner County.
Friends and family meant everything to Dorothy. If a family member or friend needed anything, she was there at a moment’s notice. She was always ready to say yes to adventure.
She discovered a new love in retirement: quilting. Quilting soon became her art form; many would say it was her “love language.” Over the years, she joined quilting groups like Clark Fork Valley Quilters and Panhandle Peacemakers where she made lasting friendships with other members. With Bosom Buddies, she made quilts for women with breast cancer. Those closest to her have a cherished quilt or table runner to remember her by.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, who passed away in 2004.
She is survived by her three daughters, Debby (Randy) Neely, Donna (Mike) Berger, and Julie (Kevin) Nye; her two sons, Gary Bloxom and Joe Bloxom; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In Dorothy’s honor, donations may be made to Bosom Buddies, in care of Penny Mattson P.O. Box 252 Laclede, ID 83841.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Dorothy’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.