Dorthy Anna Applegate

Dorthy Anna Applegate, age 72, of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully holding her daughters hands ( Cynthia and Patricia )on May 5, 2025 at 4:50 am at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham due to complications from surgery. The day before she passed away she was surrounded by the love of her family. They spent her last day with her painting and making handprints in plaster. Singing songs, playing her favorite music, telling jokes and enjoying one last root beer float together. Born on January 24, 1953, in Portland, Oregon, Dorthy lived a life filled with love, kindness, laughter, and deep devotion to her family. She made Bellingham her home and touched the lives of countless people throughout her years. Dorthy had a passion for the simple joys of life-sunbathing, picking raspberries, camping, road trips, and family barbecues. She especially loved to crochet, loved attending races at Skagit Speedway, going to the Lynden fair and spending time shopping or going to thrift stores and garage sales. She also loved planning and celebrating birthdays and holidays with her family. She was known for her radiant smile, warm heart, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. An incredibly talented cook and baker, Dorthy shared her love through the food she made-crafting family favorites like shrimp salad, zucchini bread, apple butter, homemade chicken and noodles, dumplings, egg rolls, baked beans, birthday cakes and her unforgettable Thanksgiving turkey. Many of her recipes became treasured traditions, made her own with creativity and care. She had beautiful handwriting and a brilliant mind, but what truly defined Dorthy was her selflessness. She always put the needs and happiness of others before her own, creating a life of generosity and compassion. She made friends everywhere she went, leaving behind memories full of love and warmth. Dorthy spent much of her career in hospitality, starting in housekeeping and working her way up to general manager. She concluded her professional life serving others before retiring. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Charles L. and Harriet Anna Byers Jones, and John P. and Angeline Sophia Wagner; her parents Hershal Joseph Wagner Sr. and Margaret Anna Wagner; her mother-in-law Patricia "Patty" Applegate, her soul mate Nathan " Nate" Warren Applington,and her nephew Monty Hatler. Dorthy is survived by her loving daughters Angela Bland (with significant other Troy Moravec) of Ferndale, Cynthia Fryer (husband Nathan Fryer) of Maple Falls, Elizabeth Applegate (with significant other Garret Smith) of Bellingham, and Patricia Applegate (with significant other Chris Huckaby) of Bullhead City, Arizona. She is also survived by her stepson Michael Paul Verbrugge of Deming, Washington. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Tessa Mcwhorter, Breanna Harris, Emily Delano, Meadow Fryer, Nathaniel Fryer, Jayse Applegate, Jordyn Applegate, Aubriana Smith, Melanie Smith, Christopher Huckaby, Corbin Huckaby, and Camden Huckaby; and her great­grandchildren Phoebe Delano and Jaxon Delano. Dorthy's life was filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to those around her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of life will be on Saturday July 5th at Berthusen Park in Lynden WA at 2 pm. We love you mom. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dorthy, please visit our Tree Store.