Dorothy Bernice Gauthier passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side Nov. 1, 2014. She went into the loving arms of her husband of 64 years, Richard.

She was born on the 4th of July 1924, in Esko, Minn. Dorothy was one of 14 children born to John and Hilda Loukkala. She attended and graduated from Thomson Township High School. She held several jobs, including a bookkeeping position.

Dorothy met the love of her life, Richard J. "Dick" Gauthier. They became engaged before he was shipped overseas to fight in World War II. Dorothy traveled west by train to meet him in Alameda, Calif. There they got married Dec. 11, 1945. They moved North to Longview and made it their home. Many of her family had already settled in the Pacific Northwest. They bought a home years later on Laurel Road and lived there 28 years.

Dorothy's faith was very important to her. She was active in her church and the go-to lady everyone depended on. Dorothy and Dick were faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Dorothy was an expert at cooking and baking. She also canned fruits, vegetables and made homemade jelly and jam while raising her family. Her home was the place where all the kids came to. From baseball games in the backyard to board games inside, everyone felt it was their home. Both Dorothy and Dick were second parents to many kids.

She worked many jobs, but her favorite was being the manager of the Lower Columbia College Bookstore. She was there eight years. She took care of everyone, including her husband, who retired early due to illness. Her compassion and kindness beamed from her soul as her beautiful smile lit up every room she entered. Everyone who knew her loved Dorothy. Throughout her entire life she thought of everyone else first. She lost her loving husband, Richard in February of 2009. She had taken care of him right up to his last breath.

She lived her life as a Christian. Dorothy believed that doing for others was her mission in life. She never let anyone down or turned anyone away. Dorothy celebrated her 90th birthday last July 4th with a big part in her honor. Almost 90 people attended. Her last days were spent at home with family and friends. This was her wish.

"Dorothy was, and still is, our angel. You are the wind beneath all our wings."

Survivors include two daughters, Julie Gauthier of Kelso and Marsha Gauthier of Milwaukie, Ore.; a son, Steven Gauthier of Sequim, Wash.; four grandchildren, Luke Gauthier of Wenatchee, Alisha Gauthier Meder of Longview, Scott Linman of Portland and Nicole Hogan of West Lynn, Ore.; three sisters, Elsie Herold of Longview, and Ruth Williams and Margie Price, both of Battle Ground, Wash.; a brother, Dale Luokkala of Vancouver; her dear friends, Dave Clouse of Longview, Mark Swingle of Kelso and Brian May of San Jose, Calif.; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Richard, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hilda Luokkala; five brothers, Albin, Oscar, Walter, Arthur and Hans Luokkala; and four sisters, Pearl Sundvick, Esther Loyear, Hannah Horner and Lillian Berry.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Nov. 22 at Bethany Lutheran Church with Pastor Shelley Willem officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health & Hospice.

Arrangements are by Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory