Dorothy Salomon, 83

Dorothy Salomon passed away April 13, 2022, in the assisted-living facility where she resided for the past six years. She was 83 years old. Dorothy entered the world on Oct. 15, 1938, born in Annville, Penn., to parents Leroy and Kathryn Kincel. She was their first child.

The family relocated to the Mission Valley in Montana around 1947, when Mom was 9 years old, settling on a ranch in Round Butte. Mom attended Ronan High School a few years later, graduating in 1957.

While working at the Quick Lunch restaurant in downtown Ronan, Mom caught the eye of her future husband, Irvin Salomon, who was attracted to her positive attitude and gregarious personality. The couple married in Polson on March 24, 1959 and quickly moved to Bozeman, where Dad was completing his degree in mechanical engineering at MSU. Following graduation, Dad and Mom moved to the Seattle area, where Dad was employed by the Boeing Co.

Shortly after, a son, James, joined the family, followed by a daughter, Tamara, two years later.

Sometime around 1970 Mom started selling Avon. Through determination and an innate skill set, Mom rose to become one of the top-selling representatives in the western United States. Later, she became a district manager. Following her retirement from Avon in the early 1980s, Mom worked at a florist shop, was an activity director at a nearby nursing home, served as an Auburn Newcomer and was a secret shopper for Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Mom and Dad enjoyed annual visits to the Hawaiian Islands — usually without the kids. In 1986 they voyaged on a cruise to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean. Mom enjoyed canning fruit on an annual basis, and on Saturdays she typically made cinnamon rolls that rapidly vanished.

On June 24, 1988, Mom was critically injured in a car accident, sustaining severe head injuries. Through many surgeries and months spent in hospitals and rehabilitation programs, plus with the love and assistance of her family, friends and clergy members, Mom regained many of her former capabilities and personality traits.

In 1999 Mom and Dad moved to an assisted-living facility close to their church in Federal Way, Wash. Following Dad’s death in 2000, Mom relocated to the Olympia area to be closer to her son, first living at Merrill Gardens, and then at Bonaventure Senior Living.

Mom thrived being around people and thoroughly enjoyed the activities offered at the facilities where she lived. These included art classes and games such as bingo, pinochle and left, right, center. For planned outings, Mom’s name was usually on the top of the sign-up list. Mom took pride in having her door decorated with seasonal wreaths and enjoyed wearing her collection of Christmas sweaters during the holiday season. Because of Mom’s outgoing nature and helpful attitude, she was a favorite among the residents and staff at both facilities. And she touched countless lives.

Mom was active in her church, Faith Lutheran, in Lacey, Wash., and regularly attended Bible studies at Bonaventure.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Irvin Richard Salomon, and by her parents, Leroy and Kathryn Kincel.

She is survived by siblings Colleen Gydas (Kincel) and Robert ‘Leroy’ Kincel, and by her daughter, Tamara Wilson, and son-in-law Todd Wilson. She is also survived by her son, James Salomon, by her grandchildren, Madeline and Ethan Wilson, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of the family members, friends and care staff who have faithfully assisted Mom over these past years.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan, with burial to follow services at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider–Thompson Funeral Home.