Dorothy “Dottie” Conner died suddenly at her home in Oak Harbor on March 29, 2007 at the age of 74. Dottie was born March 21, 1933 in Trezvant, Tenn., to Ollie Long and Dewey Wadkins.

Dottie’s parents divorced when she was young and she was raised by her father. Dottie grew up in Lansing, Mich., where she graduated from high school. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Yeoman. She was stationed in Kingsville, Texas and while there, she met Edwin R. Conner. They were married and Dottie left the Navy and served as a Navy wife. The Navy moved the Conner family to Japan, California, Texas and finally to NAS Whidbey in 1963. Edwin preceded Dottie in death in 1970 when he was killed in the line of duty.

Dottie worked for a time as a waitress at the Kennel Restaurant and then became a part-owner. She left the restaurant and began work for Civil Service at NAS Whidbey. She worked as an administrative assistant for Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, for the Supply Officer and then for the Executive Officer and finally for the Commanding Officer for NAS Whidbey. While working at NAS, she enjoyed baking special treats for the holidays and delivering them to the staff. She also remembered all of the workers all over the station, including the security guards at the gates.

Dottie was not one to sit back in her retirement years. She became a dedicated volunteer. Dottie served as a volunteer and board member of Help House for many years. She also donated many years to the Oak Harbor Police Department, the Oak Harbor District Court and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Dottie had a wonderful talent for knitting and crocheting. She was constantly making things to give to others. She was a great cook and enjoyed reading and making ceramics. She also enjoyed word puzzles and collecting clown figurines. Dottie cared about people. She was an incredibly giving person, who wished for nothing in return. She wore her heart on her sleeve.

Dottie is survived by her son Cmdr. David Conner and wife Vanya of Virginia Beach, Va., and her daughter Cheryl Betts and husband Brian of Kalispell, Mont. Six grandchildren also survive, Jacqui, Justin, Adam, Angela, Amani and Barbara.

Funeral services for Dottie Conner will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Burley Funeral Chapel with Cmdr. Bob Burke, USN (Ret) officiating. Graveside committal services will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.