Paula Marian Dortch

1943 - 2015

Paula Marian Dortch passed away in her sleep May 1, 2015, after a brief illness. She was at home with her beloved husband Bob Dortch. Marian was born March 10, 1943, in San Jose, Calif., to Paul and Jean Sonntag. Her early years were spent in Toketee Falls, Ore. The family moved to Klamath Falls when Marian was about 6 years old. She graduated from Henley High and worked as a legal secretary before moving to San Francisco to work briefly for politician Quentin Kopp. She returned to Klamath Falls, where she again worked in the legal community and the Klamath County Planning Department. Her son Matt was born in 1966. Marian married Bob in 1972; they built a home and small hobby ranch at Spring Lake. In 1977, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Bob became part owner in R&M Consultants and Marian continued her work as a legal secretary. Marian was an immensely talented artist who spent her life drawing and painting; in the mid-1980s she began to seriously pursue her passion for art and enrolled in university classes. The result was a collection of remarkable works spanning decades that her friends and family treasure. She also worked as a curator at the Anchorage Municipal Art Gallery for notable visiting artists. In 1988, Marian and Bob left Alaska following Bob's retirement and moved to the San Juan Islands in Washington. They spent special times exploring the Pacific Northwest aboard their sailboat Moonshadow. They returned to Klamath Falls and moved to Harbor Isles, where they joined the Klamath Yacht Club. Marian and Bob served various positions at the club, including co-commodores. In the late 1990s, they purchased four acres on Four Mile Creek at Rocky Point, where they enjoyed camping with friends and family. Marian was famous for her impressive bonfires. In later years, Marian and Bob traveled extensively, visiting Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico and much of the East Coast. Marian had a special bond with her niece Paula; they shared not only a common first name but many other similarities and an almost sisterly connection. Marian also traveled to Paris and through the years enjoyed many girls getaway trips with cherished friends. Marian and Bob bought a 40-foot motorhome in 2010; their travels inspired Marian to add gourd artistry to her resume and she created intricate, inspired pieces that incorporated wood burning, painting and inlay of precious metals, stone and leather. Marian proudly called herself a "cat lady" and gave her heart to many felines. In her brief battle with cancer, she remained strong and serene to the end; along with Bob, she was comforted by their dog Megan and their three cats. Kuza, 21 years old, crossed the Rainbow Bridge three days after Marian passed away. Marian is survived by her husband, Bob; sister and brother-in-law Melinda and Ted Story; step-daughter and step-son-in-law Heidi and Jerry Fountain; step-daughter Lori Dortch Arey; nephew and niece-in-law Brian and Ann Story; and niece and nephew-in-law Paula Story and Dave Stewart. The family requests that those who wish to make donations send them to High Desert Hospice. A celebration of life and a potluck will be held June 6, noon to 3 p.m. at the Klamath Yacht Club.