Born March 5, 1926, to Casper and Catherine Hershfelt of Salem, Ore. Dorothy showed her artistic ability at a very young age and developed into a multifaceted professional. She had three children with her husband, Robert D. Hinkle Jr. – Robert Jr., Linda Ross and Cindy Hinkle.
Her husband and two oldest children preceded her in death, along with her brother, Casper Hershfelt.
Dorothy worked as a photographer and graphic artist when she meet and married Donald B. Klassen. They moved to San Francisco, where she worked for Fireman Fund Ins. Co. for many years. They moved to Sonoma, where her husband practiced podiatry. Dorothy was the perfect hostess to the doctor’s colleagues and fellow Masonic Lodge members. She loved interior decorating and gourmet cooking. Dorothy and Don returned to Salem to retire near family.
Dorothy achieved award-winning status with her oil paintings. She made generous donations to many charities, an avid reader and enjoyed family gatherings that included many friends and extended family and loved ones. Dorothy died in her home, surrounded by love, on July 26, 2013.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Hoffman (Kevin Brant); and her brother, Guy Hinkle; son-in-law, Steve Stocker; her grandsons, Jeff (Cathleen) Ross, Greg (Samantha) Ross, Andy Hinkle, of Springfield, Ore.; stepson, Bruce (Susie) Klassen; as well as many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A private gathering of family remembered Dorothy with love, laughter and tears.
God bless you, Dottie. You are at peace with our Lord.
Donations to cancer research or the Humane Society.
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