Dorothy Ann Hayden, 82, of Oroville passed away peacefully on the early morning of Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 at the Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee.

She was born to parents William and Euphame Nelson on Feb. 23 at the family home along the Toroda Creek. Dorothy had four brothers: Jack, Benny, August and Reynold Nelson. She also had three sisters: Viola Crummer (deceased), Jenny Lewis and Eva Newsom. Jenny and Eva currently reside in Omak.

Dorothy was married in Oroville on Feb. 19, 1954 to Frank E. Hayden of Auburn, Wash. They were married a wonderful and loving 51 years until his death in May, 2005.

Dorothy started elementary school in the Curlew area and later enrolled in school at the St. Mary’s Mission near Omak. During her high school years she attended a 1st Nation school in Chemawa, Ore. During her early post school years Dorothy worked in factories, as a waitress and later in a furniture repair shop. Her most meaningful time though was spent being a housewife and raising a son, Mark Hayden a.k.a. Marvin T. Louie.

From a very young age Dorothy loved the water. In her early years she loved swimming along the Toroda Creek and later fishing and boating in the Pacific Ocean. She also took enormous pride in being a reliable friend, good wife and loving mother. Mom once said that if you have the opportunity to help someone and you don’t take advantage of it then you’re just wasting your life. That’s my Mom!

She also loved watching her son participate in sports during his elementary, high school and college years. Because of her love for people, she was always open to conversation and no one she ever met felt like a stranger.

Dorothy had two main loves in her life besides her family: Animals and Elvis Presley. During her lifetime she had many cats and dogs, which she loved profusely and treated them as a major part of the family. With regard to the “King” she had many pictures and many records, which she listened to with great enthusiasm. Dorothy also had a Elvis phone in which the Elvis doll would wiggle his hips and sing, “Nothin but a Hound Dog” letting you know a phone call was coming in.

Other interests my mom enjoyed were playing cards and board games, reading books and going to the casino. Mom didn’t care if she won or not at the casino, but just loved the atmosphere and enjoyed talking to the people around her.

Even though Mom didn’t have a college education I was always amazed at the amount of knowledge she had. Over the years she read hundreds of books and many times when I would wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom the light in her bedroom would still be on, which meant she was reading. So after my father passed away in 2005, I would make sure I would spend three to four nights per week with her and two shows we watched were, “Who wants to be a millionaire” and “Jeopardy”. On a regular basis she would answer 40-50 percent of the questions correct, which was definitely more than I could.

Dorothy was a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Even though during my childhood we didn’t live near any First Nation Reserves my mom always made sure I knew my heritage and that I was to be proud of where I came from.

He health was not good the past few years as she needed dialysis three times a week but that did not deter her from loving life. She continued on actively as she walked daily her two canine buddies, Duchess and Little Felix, feeding the birds and flashing that million dollar smile to anyone she met.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Euphame Nelson; her husband, Frank; four brothers: Jack, Benny, August and Reynold; and sister, Viola.

She is survived by one son, Mark E. Hayden (a.k.a Marvin T. Louie) of Oliver, B.C.; two sisters: Eva Newsom and Jenny Lewis of Omak; her two canine buddies, Duchess and Little Felix of Oroville; and also her many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held in the summer (probably Omak). Details will be posted at a later time. Everyone is welcome.