Mrs. Vonetta Mary Dorrell

Mrs. Vonetta Mary Dorrell, age 93, of Ocean Springs, Miss., passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Ocean Springs.
Vonetta was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who was born on July 11, 1917, in Bufford, Ark., and was a resident of Ocean Springs for the past 11 years.
She previously resided in Klamath Falls, Ore., from 1944 to 2000. She was employed at Weyerhaeuser Lumber Mill from 1944 to 1979. She was the last of the World War II War Ladies, "Pauline Bunyans," to retire with numerous awards in recognition of her many years of productive achievement. She hung up her hard hat on July 11, 1979. She was one of the ladies who began working in the mill when the men went off to war as support for the war effort. She was one of a small number that stayed on when the men returned, not only staying on but staying on for 34 more years until she retired.
Vonetta was actively involved in the Eagles Lodge as president, vice-president, past president mother, captain of the drill team and team conductor. Numerous first place awards and outstanding officer designations were presented to her. She was also a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Vonetta was preceded in death by her husband Frank, son Howard Joe Dorrell, brother Harlan McGrath, granddaughter Melora Dorrell, father John McGrath and mother Louise Raby McGrath.
Survivors include a daughter Nicki and beloved son-in-law Chuck Baraboo, sister Voneta DeBon, grandchildren Suzanne Hardin, Jerry Baraboo and Cindy Carroll, two great-grandsons, three great-granddaughters, one great-great-granddaughter, nieces Judie (John) Schmidt, Debbie (Jeff) Koewler and Lana (John) Semon, six great-nephews, two great-nieces, five great-great-nephews and five great-great-nieces.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 20, 2011, from 1 to 2 p.m. with a 2 p.m. chapel service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Hospice of Light, 2012 Highway 90, Suite 29, Gautier, MS 39553.
A Tribute to Mother
The meaning of a mother's love, full of patience and guidance, the special wise and thoughtful caring ways, has brightened our days and made you more dear, admired and appreciated. As we grow, we understand and, as we look back through older eyes and wiser hearts, the depth of your love and loyalty are all the things that we will hold dear. You have a place in our hearts that no one can replace; that's yours alone forever. No one else can fill it; we cannot count the ways we love you.
Forever, Your Family.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com..
Please sign the online guest book at www.heraldandnews.com/obituaries.