Doris “Dorie” Elaine Goetz, 80, died at Home Place Oct. 6, 2008, with her husband at her side. She was born Oct. 30, 1927, in York, Penn., to Alvin and Sarah Wanbaugh.

Dorie was raised in York and graduated from York High School. She attended and graduated from Susquehanna University with a bachelor of arts degree in music. She went on to teach music in three schools in the Gettysburg area. She had a total of 700 children in her classes.

Back in her junior high days, Dorie met this drummer in a small band in which she was playing. She didn’t really get to know him then, but their paths would cross again in college when she was involved in the Gilbert and Sullivan play “Mikado.” It seemed the chorus was a little short on male voices and then student Bob Goetz stepped up to fill a spot there. One thing led to another and in July of 1952, she became Mrs. Robert Goetz.

In 1956, Bob and Dorie were stationed at NAS Whidbey, which they thought would be a nice place to spend a few years before returning to their home on the East Coast. Dorie got involved in the community and Dr. Goetz teamed up with Dr. Bailey to form Whidbey Medical Clinic. And the rest is history.

Dorie was very involved in Beta Sigma Phi, the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor and various bowling leagues in the area. She was known for organizing fundraisers at the church and an officer’s wives musical group.

Dorie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, her three children Susan Terry of Spokane, Paul of Silverdale, Cindy Gailey of Oak Harbor, and six wonderful grandchildren. Dorie’s first-born grandchild, Jenica, died of leukemia in 1993.

A memorial service for Dorie will be held at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m. The family suggests that any contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Dorie. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where you may visit www.burleyfuneralchapel.com and sign a guest book for Dorie.