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Gladys Doriot Obituary

GLADYS A. DORIOT
December 10, 1934 to March 4, 2011

Gladys Ann Doriot passed away peacefully with all of her family at her side in the family home of 41 years in Ridgefield, WA. She was born Dec. 10, 1934 to Alvin and Clara Grimm in Chelsea Township near Medford, WI, and grew up on the family farm. She was confirmed in the Medford Evangelical Lutheran Church June 5th, 1949.
Gladys's first job was working as a nurse's aide for children at the Medford Hospital. Soon after her graduation from high school with Medford High's class of 1950, Gladys traveled to visit family in Okanogan, WA, where she worked a short time as a waitress at a local diner.
During a visit home to Medford she met James M. Doriot, the man who would become her husband, and father of her four children.
They traveled together during Jim's time as a welder on the trans-continental pipeline. After an injury during that venture, Jim sought work in the lumber industry. The winds of fortune took them to Wisconsin, Virginia, Nevada, and finally Bend, OR where all four children were born. Seeking new opportunities, Jim was recruited to a position as a moulder operator and knife grinder with Pacific Wood Treating which he accepted and moved his family to Ridgefield, WA.
When her children were of school age, Gladys began her second career driving school bus for the Ridgefield School District. She moved from driver to Secretary of Transportation and finally to Director of Transportation for the Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield and LaCenter School District Student Transportation Co-op (KWRL). Gladys served as President for the Washington Association for Pupil Transportation during 1986-87, and served on its Board of Directors from 1987 to 1992.
She was recognized for 30 years of outstanding service
upon retirement in 2002.
Gladys's love for the people and city of Ridgefield inspired her and her close circle of friends to found the Ridgefield 4th of July Celebration and the annual Easter egg hunt. These celebrations have grown to become highly anticipated annual events attracting thousands of visitors to Ridgefield each year. Gladys was also a founding officer of the PWT Federal Credit Union.
In 1978 Gladys was diagnosed with breast cancer. Refusing to let cancer define or dictate who she was or what she did, she soldiered on despite years of treatment and reoccurrences.
Gladys ran for an elected position on the Ridgefield City Council, was elected and certified on Nov. 21, 1991 where she served for 17 years. Concurrently with her job as Transportation Director, a Department of Transportation third party commercial driver's license examiner and City Councilperson, Gladys served on the Board of Directors of CTRAN.
In recognition of her exemplary community service, Gladys
was honored with Ridgefield's 2002 Outstanding Citizen award.
That same year Gladys was appointed by the Ridgefield City Council to the position of Mayor of the City and served two terms faithfully until 2006 when health issues dictated she retire. Not one to accept retirement without a fight, Gladys went on to volunteer with the American Red Cross.
Travelers at heart, Gladys, Jim and family spent most summers at the family farm in Medford, WI. These were the best of times, spent with her mom and dad and many other family members, fishing, camping and enjoying the many scenic vistas these journeys afforded. During the years in Central Oregon, she spent many happy days searching for Indian arrow heads and exploring abandoned mining and ghost towns. Her large collection bears witness to her success. Her fondness for Native American Indian culture is proudly displayed in the artwork and artifacts she collected and displayed in her home. During her years traveling both personally and in her official capacities, Gladys was fortunate to have spent time in nearly every state in the continental U.S. She had an exceptional fondness for the City of New Orleans, especially Bourbon Street and its people and enjoyed her visits on numerous occasions.
Finally early in 2010, her physicians had exhausted all reasonable treatment options. Gladys then did what she has always done; she lived each of her remaining days with zest and dignity. She enjoyed frequent visits from friends and family. Her sense of humor and quick wit was truly a gift to all.
Nothing pleased her more than spending time with her
daughters and sons, and grandkids. An amateur archeologist
by nature, hunting artifacts was still high on the agenda
the last few months! She left her family with great reluctance,
not wanting to miss out on the next family adventure.
Gladys is survived by her uncle, Everett Grimm of Middlebury, IN; two daughters, Lorie A. Harbour of Willow Creek, CA, Cathy L. Doriot of Ridgefield, WA; sons, Tracy O. Doriot of Washougal, WA and Orrin L. Doriot of Ridgefield, WA; grandson, Brandon M. Doriot of Everett, WA; and five great-grandchildren.
The family would like to offer a very special thanks to all of the angels of Kaiser Hospice that made the final months at home so comfortable.
At her request, services will be held Sat., March 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Ridgefield United Methodist Church at 1410 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield, WA.
We respectfully request charitable donations be made in her name to Kaiser Hospice 2701 NW Vaughn, Suite 140, Portland, OR 97210-5344 and the SW Washington Humane Society, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98664.
Please sign Gladys' guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 9, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Gladys Doriot

Not sure what to say?





Gladys was a dear friend of mine. I´ll never forget working along side of her at KWRL. She was the best boss ever. I´ll never forget her.

Donna Bracy

March 3, 2024

Anita rodgers

Friend

March 5, 2020

One great lady very sharp and witty.

Ernie Foster

Friend

March 4, 2019

To the Doriot family,
John and I know how much we loved your Mother and we know there was no easy way for you or any body to say good bye to her. Your Mother and her family welcomed me to live with them back in about 1982 or 1983. I was having a bad time in them days and your home was always open to me or any body that needed a place to stay awhile. Your Mother and I seemed to hit it off as friends since 1978 right away since I meant her. We even were the first ones to sell vials of Mt. Saint Helens ash. We Loved and Honored your Mother,Dad and your families. Love, Joy and John S.

March 20, 2011

Lori, Tracy, Orin, Cathy and Brandon;
I have fond memories of Gladys when she was kind enough to let me stay with her family for a short time. My memories also include her whole family that made me a part of something special. I will miss her.
Love Mike Gregory

Mike Gregory

March 12, 2011

Tracy,Lori,Orrin,Cathy and Brandon,
Your Mom and I have been best of friends for many, many years. We always knew if either of us needed something the other was there. Your dad always called her Queenie and she was a queen.
I have so many memories of her she will live in my heart forever. We were like sisters to each other.
Love and God bless all of you.

Bonnie Peck

March 12, 2011

Our deepest sympathy and Love go out to Cathy, Tracy, Orin and of course Brandon. We hope you KNOW how much your mother and all of you mean to us. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will miss her too. Know that you are all in our thoughts and hearts. We miss you all, and again, so, so sorry for your loss. With much Love, Gale, Mike and Sammie Gregory, Stratton, Colorado

Gale Gregory

March 12, 2011

Gladys was a very strong and caring individual who valued her family and community. She served on the C-TRAN Board of Directors for numerous years and was always prepared and shared her insights. She was very supporting of the administrative staff and brightened my life in many ways. I am pleased that I was able to have know Gladys. June Berry

June Berry

March 10, 2011

Tracy & families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on the loss of your mother. In
reading the obit she was quite the woman,We are glad to have known her.

Archie & Anita Rodgers

March 10, 2011

So sorry to have lost one of the best people I have ever known. I worked under Gladys as one of her many bus drivers. She is a very special person to me so glad to have had her in my life. She was a dear friend to all always had time to listen and laugh with me and others. She will always be my Mother Superior. Brandon grandma always had good things to say about you. She will still be guiding you from heaven.

Diana Locken

March 10, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Doriot family. I worked with Gladys for 12 years, and as I look back there were times when she was like my mother, my sister, my friend. I will cherish always many fond memories of our friendship.

Jo Orem-Mahaffey

March 9, 2011

Gladys and I served our respective cities together. We shared the worries of being mothers of law enforcement officers. On CTRAN we travelled together. Our times together were full of laughter and teasing. She will be missed

pat jollota

March 9, 2011

I wish I would have known your Mother Tracy. Your eloquent obituary is so touching. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Shellie Grammer

March 9, 2011

Tracy & family, Mike & I are very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Reading her obituary she accomplished a tremendous amount in her lifetime. God bless.
Sincerely, Mike & Virginia Kinnaman

March 9, 2011

My sympathies to the entire Doriot family. I know how hard it is to lose your mom. I lost mine to the same thing when I was 12 years old and it doesn't get any easier. Gladys was a great person and I enjoyed her very much all those years ago. You and she are in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Faeh

March 9, 2011

Working with Gladys and being her assistant at KWRL for five years was a privilege. Our special friendship that remained will always be a "hilite" in my life. She will be missed...

Donna Bracy

March 9, 2011

The best of wishes to the family. We will greatly miss Gladys she was always a good friend. Our condolence. Sue and ERNIE

ernie Foster

March 9, 2011

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Gladys. She was, indeed, an asset to the city of Ridgefield and known and loved by many for her sense of humor and caring about others.

Marlene Harrison

March 9, 2011

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