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In Memory

Dorothy Gooch (Stahl) - Class of 1941

The Idaho Statesman, 08/26/12

Dorothy (Dot) Gooch Stahl, age 89, of Boise and Meridian, Idaho passed away peacefully August10, 2012 at The Cottages in Meridian. Dorothy was born May 26th, 1923 in Montpelier, Idaho to George Owen Gooch and Nelle Jones Gooch. She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1941 and attended beauty school in Salt Lake City, Utah. After her graduation, Dorothy bought a beauty salon in Glenn's Ferry, Idaho where she ran a successful business. Dorothy met and married George Wilmot, a railroad executive in 1943. Their family grew with the births of a daughter Janice and a son Scott. They lived in cities all over the country including Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco, LaGrande, Spokane, and Denver. Dorothy was proud to have worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City where she learned computers and taxes. In the late 1960's, Dorothy returned to Idaho where she worked for an accounting firm. After a wonderful romance, Dorothy married her gentleman sweetheart, Chester "Chet" Stahl in 1971. After Chet's retirement their annual three-month winter travels took them to Europe, The Middle East, Africa, South America, and China. Though the happy 27-year marriage ended with Chet's death in 1998, Dorothy was left with many wonderful memories. Volunteerism was important to Dorothy and she served many hours. She was most passionate about her work at the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital. Dorothy loved to play cards and even taught duplicate bridge in California. She loved to play against the Blackjack dealers at Cactus Pete's. Her father taught her all card games; her favorite was Panguingue. In a game of "Pan" Dot won many of our nickels! She also enjoyed league bowling and was a good lady golfer, playing on many local courses. Dorothy loved to eat out. Her favorite restaurant was Jaker's, owned by her cousin, and anywhere she could get a good cinnamon roll. Dorothy's life changed dramatically after a car-pedestrian accident at Sun Valley in 2000 when she was run over by a car while in a crosswalk. After being airlifted to Boise, brain surgery saved her life, but left her with permanent short-term memory loss. After months in rehabilitation at the Elks Rehab Hospital (where, ironically, she had served countless hours as a volunteer), Dorothy lived at Parkview Apartments on Crescent Rim Drive. In 2007 she moved to Grace Assisted Living in Meridian, Idaho, where she enjoyed outings and activities. In 2010 she moved to her present home, The Cottages. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and husbands George and Chet. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Osborn of Kansas City, MO; her son, Scott Wilmot of Manhattan Beach, CA; step-daughters: Judy (Jerry) Clifton and Linda Horn of Bellevue, WA; sisters: Pat Fischer and Nan Hall of Meridian, ID; eight grandchildren, Julie, Jennifer, Jason and Jeff all of Kansas City, MO and Scott, Debbie, Bob and Becky of Bellevue, WA; 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. This family wishes to thank all of the staff at The Cottages and Horizon Hospice for all of their care and thoughtfulness during her last days. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 1st at Meridian Legacy Church, 1507 N. Meridian Road in Meridian. Burial will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery.