Dorothy Evelyn Story

**Dorothy Evelyn Story**  

March 12, 1936 - November 13, 2024

Dorothy Evelyn Story, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was the beloved daughter of William and Rosetta Fetter, who predeceased her in 1947 and 2000. She married Walter J. Story in 1961. After 31 years of marriage, she became a widow in 1992. She was predeceased by her daughter Linda Robertson in 2008, and her two brothers, William Fetter (2020) and Harold Fetter (2024). 

Dorothy is survived by her two daughters, Peggy Story Stith (husband, Philip D.) and Kathy Shuck (husband, Jim). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Philip J. Stith (Katie), Jennifer Stith, Brian Stith (Kaylee), Sherry Pierce, and Sean Shuck (Heather), as well as nine adorable great-grandchildren: JD, Addie, Lakelyn, Atlas, Ava, Kylie, Dakota, Cheyanne, and Savannah. She is also survived by nephews Mike and Dan Fetter, and a niece, Diane Priewe. Her nephew Robby Fetter predeceased her.

Dorothy was a good friend to many, including her best friend Jeanie Bledsoe, whom she met in first grade. They went through school together and both graduated from Vallejo High School. They also worked at Kaiser Hospital in Vallejo and retired from there.

Dorothy graduated from Vallejo High School in 1954. She worked at a theater in Vallejo and at the Greyhound bus station, where she met her husband Walter, a taxi driver at the time. She then worked for Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, starting as a chart runner in Medical Records and eventually becoming the Supervisor of the Medical Insurance Claims Department. She worked at Kaiser for over 17 years.

In 1961, Dorothy married Walter J. Story, and together they raised two daughters, Linda and Peggy. In 1968, the family moved from Vallejo to Napa, CA. With both daughters married and following their dreams, Walter and Dorothy embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure, selling their home and purchasing the Travelodge Motel in Eureka, CA. It was at the age of 44 that Dorothy discovered her passion for running. Previously, she had walked for exercise, but as the owner-operator of a busy motel, she had very little time for walking. She decided to start running as she felt it provided the same amount of exercise in half the time. A few months later, she ran in a local 5k race and was hooked. She progressed from 5k races to several marathons (26.2 miles). Her athletic achievements were remarkable for her age. In her very first marathon, Avenue of the Giants, she placed 3rd in her age group. The race was set among the majestic Redwood trees. Dorothy continued running into her senior years, earning many medals and ribbons. She even ran in the annual Bay to Breakers race, a 12k event that started in Marin County, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and finished at the water. She placed 3rd out of 72 runners in her age group. On her 80th birthday, she ran a 10k race and came in first place in her age group. This would be her last race due to her worsening Parkinson’s disease.

Dorothy took piano lessons for 7 years growing up but didn’t play for many years as life, family, and career demands took precedence. After retiring, she began playing again and enjoyed it immensely. She also loved playing cards, reading, gardening, and hunting for morel mushrooms with her family. This annual tradition was passed down to her grandchildren and eventually to her great-grandchildren. Above all, spending time with family was always her top priority. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fostering deep and loving relationships with each one, with the littlest ones calling her Grandma GG.

Dorothy was a devout Christian, attending Wayside Methodist Church in Vallejo and Heritage Presbyterian Church in Benicia. She lived a life guided by her faith.

Dorothy was a perfectionist who believed in striving for excellence. She often said, "If you do not strive for perfection, you will never come close." She also volunteered at Kaiser and often said she wanted to be remembered as a caring person. Her resilience and courage in facing Parkinson’s disease exemplified her enduring strength and determination, inspiring her doctors and everyone who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy requested donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

A service for Dorothy will be held at Tulocay Cemetery (411 Coombsville Road, Napa) on Thursday, November 21st, at 11:00 AM, to honor the life and memory of this remarkable woman who brought love, kindness, and inspiration to the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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