Dorothy Werttemberger

After a long but valiant battle with cancer, Dorothy returned home on July 6, 2014, only 56 years young. Dorothy was born on July 14, 1958 in the Philippine Islands during her father’s service at Clark Air Force Base.

During her youth, she traveled with her family to numerous parts of the world, giving her a unique perspective of cultures and countries other than our own. Based on these experiences, Dorothy never hesitated to lend a hand or a kind word to those in need.

Dorothy’s true passions in life were her home and her family, and she lived her life according to the values of God, family and country. Dorothy also loved travelling, often with an entourage of family and children — one of the more memorable was a two week RV trip with six grandchildren to Yellowstone Park.

Dorothy never missed an April fool’s joke, usually to the chagrin to family members. Dorothy was active in her community, including founding the civic group “Enough is Enough” that advocated for fair and equitable treatment of sex offenders, work that was recognized by former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, and many years of working for Blue Mountain Action Council. Neighbors and her neighborhood were also very important to Dorothy, and she bestowed upon everyone favorite nicknames.

Family gatherings and reunions were frequent, large, raucous but thoroughly enjoyable events. Dorothy’s life exemplified the importance of family ties, from the death of her father to the graduation of her grandson, Steven Cook, from Marine Corps boot camp. When Steven was asked by his platoon leader the basis for his exceptional performance, Steven replied “You never met my Grandma.”

Dorothy felt a close connection with Native American culture, and followed the Ne Mi Poo Tribe trail of tears in her travels. Her travels including many camping and white-water rafting trips in Idaho.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her dear father, Samuel Walter Billings; her second husband, John Percy Werttemberger; brother, Maurice T. Billings; and her son, Roman Matthew Cook. She is survived by an extraordinary family that includes her mother, Dona Billings; husband, David Bartus; brothers, Samuel, Fredrick and Marvin Billings; and sisters, Marie Jenkins, Teresa Lockwood, Sharon Hemphill and Myra Ashor. She is also survived by her sons, Samuel Allen Billings and David Murray Cook; her daughter, Rebecca Cook; daughters-in-law, Angelica Billings and Patty Cook; first husband, David Cook Sr.; and 14 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dorothy will be greatly missed, but her spirit will continue to burn brightly.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on July 12, 2014 at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home in Walla Walla.