Dora Marie Lane
Dora Marie Neuhardt was born on March 25 1944, to Emil and Dorothy (Merkel) Neuhardt on the family farm near Ashley, North Dakota. She and her twin sister Cora were the 4th and 5th of eight children born to this wonderful family. She and all of her siblings grew up working on the family farm and attending rural schools.
She met the love of her life, Chet Lane, while still in high school at a party in nearby Ellendale, ND. Unbeknownst to her – he professed to a friend the moment he laid eyes on her that he was “going to marry that girl!” Although she made him work a little for her affection, it was not long before they fell in love.
She graduated from Ashley High School and a few months later she and Chet were married in Forbes, ND on December 30, 1962. They began their married life in Aberdeen, SD and their daughter Lanette was born in 1963. Dora worked at a local newspaper, The Dakota Farmer and the Star Café while Chet began his career as an Electrician.
In 1966, looking for better opportunities, the family moved to Seattle, WA. Dora attended Beauty School and supported her husband while he started up their electrical business. She ultimately decided not to pursue a career as a beauty operator but Chet received free lifetime haircuts, so the education paid for itself in the long run. She devoted herself to supporting Chet in building their successful electrical business by doing the books, paying the bills and sometimes helping pull wire. Later, they pursued business in retail tourist shops and then commercial building restoration and leasing.
Over the course of their 63 year marriage, Dora and Chet built a duplex and 5 homes of which Dora designed, decorated and participated in their construction. They built and sold a 36 unit condominium complex, purchased and renovated 3 commercial buildings in Snoqualmie, WA and 5 in Yuma, AZ, then leased them as commercial office and retail spaces. They also started and ran 4 ice cream parlors; one in Keystone, SD, two in Lake Havasu City, AZ and one in Snoqualmie, WA and two saltwater taffy factory / retail stores, one in Lake Havasu, AZ and one in Snoqualmie, WA.
She was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess who enjoyed organizing family picnics and gatherings for the holidays. She was an accomplished artist and the family home was her personal gallery where her numerous beautiful paintings were on display.
She loved her family and the family she married into. Dora placed great importance on maintaining relationships, and most of the family vacations included visits with family members all over the country. In 1990, they were blessed with their only grandchild, Brandon, and she lovingly served as his caregiver during his early childhood while her daughter Lanette worked in her career. This bond continued and grew throughout her life.
Surviving Dora are her loving husband, Chet of AZ; daughter, Lanette (Murphy) Morefield of WA; grandson, Brandon Green of AZ; brother, Patrick (Natalie) Neuhardt of AZ; four sisters: Wilma Haupt of WA; Cora Burrer of SD; Paulette Schaeffer of AZ; and Deb (Al) Holzer of AZ; 2 sisters-in-law: Lila Giedd of AZ and Ellie Barnette of SD; 36 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Dorothy Neuhardt; sister, Eldora McElroy; brother, LeRoy Neuhardt; nephews, Brian Burrer and Don Haupt; niece Vicki Burns; mother-in-law Evelyn (Ritter) Williamson; father-in-law Ted Lane; 6 brothers-in-law: Robert Lane; Wayne Lane, Ted Lane, Frank Lane, Dick Lane, Dale Lane and Doug Lane and 3 sisters-in-law, Patricia Keuster; Shirley Thompsen and Vivian Mitchell.
Dora lived her faith through her kindness, compassion, and love for others. Her life was a reflection of God's grace, and her love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.