Dortha Louise Coleman (née Weaver)

7/29/1936 - 8/9/2026

Dortha passed away in the early morning at her home in Tiger, Washington at age 90.

She was born at her family home on July 29th, 1936 in Metaline, Washington, daughter to John Weaver and Hazel Weaver (née Brown, later Anderson). Dortha grew up in Pend Oreille County and graduated high school in Ione. In 1961 she married Charles (Monty) Coleman and together they raised six children on their family farm in Tiger.

Dortha was a woman of many passions, strengths, and talents, whose importance to her family and community only grew with time. Her farm with Monty was home to cows, pigs, chickens, and an ever-growing circle of family, friends and children who came to rely on her for hay harvests, farm-fresh dairy from the red “milk house,” and the comfort of a warm homemade biscuit.

As her youngest child started preschool, Dortha began a new journey of community service that would become her life’s work and shape her legacy as a caretaker and helper to those in need. She began as a Home Health Bath Aide around 1977, and soon afterward was recruited to pioneer a new position with Rural Resources as the first Case Manager for their outreach program in Pend Oreille County. Dortha forged a lifelong career from her calling to serve her community. Her caring deeds and accomplishments are countless, and her impact is remembered by many.

Dortha gave to her friends, family, and community with open hands, whatever precious time and talent she could offer. She kept a tight schedule of volunteer work at the local food bank, the Weed Board, the Ambulance Board, the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, the Tree of Sharing, and spent over 55 years with her friends in TOPS Club. For all her years of neighborly service, she was honored as Grand Marshall of the 2010 Down River Days Parade, a very proud day.

Dortha’s children and grandchildren were truly the light of her life, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate the joys of her family. At least seven times a year, her family gathered at her home to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and each other. These gatherings inspired more than 30 family members to make their long pilgrimages to Tiger.

Dortha is preceded in death by her parents, her younger sister Pat Basnaw, and her husband of 59 years, Monty Coleman.

She is survived by her children - Martin, Chris, Jolene (Steve), Jason, Lynn, and Nikki (Zack) - her 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Barbara Chambers, and brother-in-law George Basnaw. Her presence and importance will be felt always by those who knew and loved her.

Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to join in remembering and celebrating Dortha’s life. A graveside memorial service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Ione, Washington on Friday, August 28th at 11am. The service will be followed by a light lunch at the Rural Resources offices (201 Houghton Street).

If sending flowers is your wish you can order locally from Floral Traditions 208-448-2611 or Safeway (509) 447-2506

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