Dorothy Alice Esses passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home on Feb. 4, 2022. She was born March 28, 1929, to parents Elizabeth J. (Milbourn) Marston and Douglas E. Marston in Olympia. Dorothy grew up in Amanda Park and attended school in Lake Quinault — graduating in 1947. After high school, Dorothy moved to Montesano and worked at the county auditor’s office before marrying Sherman Paul Esses of Montesano on Feb. 12, 1949. She would then go on to help manage the family cascara and berry businesses for over 50 years. Dorothy and Sherman were happily married for 72 years.

Dorothy was a talented musician and played piano and accordion. She especially enjoyed playing music with her sister Phyllis, who she was very close with. She enjoyed bowling, her bridge group and playing pinochle and cribbage. Dorothy loved spending time with her family and looked forward to the annual vacation at Black Butte Ranch, a family tradition for the past 35 years.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her son Stephen Esses of Seattle and husband Sherman Esses of Montesano. She is survived by her sister Phyllis Miller (Rodney) of Amanda Park; sons Russell Esses (Teri) of Montesano and Jerry Esses of Moorpark, California; daughter Kelly Rudd (Marc) of Seattle; grandchildren: Erin Lusk (Mike) of Bellingham, Derek Esses (Jessica) of Seattle, Bryce Esses (Robin) of Shoreline, Marcus Rudd of Seattle, Kathleen Esses (Kyle) of Kirkland, Jaclyn Rudd of Seattle and Matthew Rudd of Seattle; and five great-grandchildren: Emily Esses, Natalie Esses, Noelle Esses, Benjamin Esses and Ezra Lusk.

There will be a private service for the family at Wynooche Cemetery in Montesano.