Dottee Rambo

Olympia resident Dottee Elsie Laura (Martin) Rambo quietly ended her struggle with breast cancer on December 22, 2014. Dottee was born June 9, 1938 in the house her father built, located on the highway between McKenna and Roy in south Pierce County, Washington. She graduated from Yelm High School in 1956 and that summer married the man who remained her husband for 57 years, Olympia Fire Chief (Ret) Jimmy Rambo, who passed away in 2013. Dottee began her career as a Washington State employee with the Department of Natural Resources. She also worked for the Liquor Board, and retired from the Washington State School Directors’ Association. Jim and Dottee were long term residents of Olympia, who loved to travel the world, with trips to such destinations as Mexico, Hawaii, Great Britain, Tahiti, Australia, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Dottee realized a lifelong dream when, at the age of 74, she travelled on her own to Kenya. One of Dottee’s greatest passions was Sweet Adelines International, which she joined in 1968. After many years of harmony, she retired as Director of the Olympia Chorus in 2014. Dottee also was an avid reader and animal lover, and pursued all her interests with great enthusiasm. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis (Lasley) Martin and Hervey O. Martin; brothers, Richard and Bruce Martin; and sister, Maxine Berray. Dottee is survived by daughter, Laura Rambo; son-in-law, Larry Severton; son, Tim (Ann) Rambo; granddaughter, Chelsea Rambo; her beloved sister, Patricia Gallagher; best friend, Mary Allen; many nieces and nephews; and her Jack Russell terrier, Buckshot. Her absence is keenly felt by all her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two of Dottee’s favorite charities: the World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org) or The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org). Please leave memories of Dottee or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.