Obituary of Dorothy May Behrens Phelps

Dorothy May (Behrens) Phelps was born April 26, 1915 in Tahunga, California and passed away January 12, 2008 in Tacoma, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Hannah Behrens; sisters Vera and Grace; brother Bud; husband Harry Gates; husband Arthur Phelps: special friend James (Jim) Sternberg; daughter Harriet; grandson Mark Dye; and great grandson Tristan Payne. Survived by daughter, Arlene Payne and husband Floyd; grandchildren, David Dye, Beverly Singleton and husband Gary , Hap Payne and wife Debbie; great grandchildren, Andrew & Eric Singleton and Trevor Payne. Dorothy was a California girl...born in the Los Angeles area. The family moved to Clear Lake where her father farmed, raised cows and chickens and later had a walnut orchard. The four kids were expected to tend to their chores after school. Her dad offered her 50 cents to stir the pot while he made sausage and she readily agreed until it came time to actually do it. She dropped the paddle, ran out of the barn and straight to the house for her mom, Grandpa yelling at her all the way "get back here you little devilskin, GET BACK HERE!". Her mom ended up helping instead. As a youngster Dorothy loved to swim, hike and was active in 4H club winning ribbons for several of her projects. She graduated from high school in 1934 and soon after she married Harriet was born. Unfortunately one week after Harriet's birth her husband drowned in Clear Lake leaving Dorothy a widow at age 20. She left Clear Lake and moved to the Berkley area with her Uncle Jack temporarily. He introduced her to a handsome Arthur Phelps and they fell in love and Art was more than willing to be Harriet's dad and they married in 1936. Arlene was born 4 years later and they moved to Richmond, where she lived for 62 years. Dorothy was a wonderful homemaker and mother and kept busy as a Blue Bird and Camp Fire Girl leader, made costumes for the girls for all their different activities. Dorothy enjoyed gardening all her adult life, was an active member of her church, liked to camp and sing and especially loved dancing. She went to a Friday night church dance for many years and belonged to a tap dancing group as well. She traveled to many exciting places Europe, Australia, Canada, Alaska & Hawaii are some of the beautiful trips she enjoyed. Dorothy was a charter member of the Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer in Richmond, California which later combined with the 1st Presbyterian Church of Richmond. Mom lived the last six years in Lakewood, Washington with Arlene & Floyd. Her final resting place will be in her beloved California next to her husband, Arthur Phelps at Sunset View Cemetery. We will all miss "Grandma D" dearly and feel comforted knowing she's dancing in Heaven with her loved ones until we ALL meet again.