Dorothy Heinemann Schoesler

Longtime Ritzville resident Dorothy (Heinemann) Schoesler, 75, died on Aug. 23, 2011, at Guardian Angel Homes in Liberty Lake.

She was born to Alfred and Emma Heinemann on Feb. 10, 1936, in Spokane. She was born at a low birth weight and premature, which made her a miracle baby of her time. She was raised on the family farm in Ritzville, where she was an active 4-H member and was awarded a trip to National 4-H Congress. One of her many Grand Champion Rosettes was awarded to her by President Harry Truman.

She attended Ritzville schools where she met the love of her life, Gerry Schoesler, in the first grade. After graduation in 1954, she married Gerry in 1955.

She was an active farm wife and active member of Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ. She was a 4-H leader for more than two decades and was always available for her children’s and grandchildren’s events.

It is said she was every man’s dream – she loved bowling and gardening and especially loved to go fishing with Gerry anywhere he could find to launch the boat.

Survivors include her husband Gerry Schoesler of Ritzville; son Senator Mark (Ginger) Schoesler of Ritzville, and daughter Gail (Brian) Gering of Liberty Lake; grandchildren: Veronica (Troy) Clinton, Cody (Josslin) Schoesler, Jeremy (Stephanie) Gering and Kimberly (Nick) Honn; and one great-grandson, Kaegen Clinton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Gene and Wilmerd Heinemann of Ritzville.

Private interment will be at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. A funeral service was held Aug. 27, 2011, at Zion Philadelphia UCC in Ritzville.

Memorials are suggested to Wheat Land Communities’ Fair or Zion Philadelphia UCC, both in Ritzville.

Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville was entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be left at http://www.danekasfuneralhome.org.