Dorothy Lee Walbridge

In the quiet hours of the morning on April 29, 2025, and just four days after her 94th birthday, Dorothy Lee Walbridge was peacefully called home to be with the Lord. She passed away surrounded by the love of her family, following complications from a sudden stroke.

Dorothy was born on April 25, 1931, on her family’s ranch east of Perma, Montana, to Michael and Daisy Vulles. She was the eighth of ten children, and was raised during the hardships of the post-Depression era. Due to economic challenges, Dorothy, along with her younger siblings Darlene and George, spent their formative years at the Montana State Orphanage in Twin Bridges.

Despite these early difficulties, Dorothy graduated from high school with grace and resilience that would come to define her life.

In the summer of 1950, she married Hugh “Bud” Walbridge, with whom she shared a loving partnership and raised two children, Agnes Darlene and Hugh Alan, in Mullan, Idaho. Family was Dorothy’s greatest joy. She poured her heart into her role as a mother and wife, building a warm and loving home filled with laughter, music, and unwavering support. Due to her adverse childhood, she enjoyed playing with her children, giving them the freedom to have a voice and be their genuine selves.

Dorothy was known for her bright spirit, infectious humor, and endless capacity for love. She chose happiness, even in the face of adversity, and passed that legacy on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her laughter lit up every room, and she was often the source of quick wit and playful phrases that would leave those around her in smiles. A self-taught pianist, Dorothy had an extraordinary gift—able to play a song by ear after hearing it only a few times, with a grace and feeling as though the music had lived in her hands all along.

A familiar and friendly face to many, Dorothy worked tirelessly throughout her life, from the local Avon Lady to Tabors in Wallace to Sweets Café, and later at True Value Hardware in Pinehurst. Known for her signature red beehive and ever-present smile, she never missed a weekly hair appointment and took pride in always looking her best.

At the youthful age of 39, Dorothy became a grandmother, a role she cherished deeply. Her granddaughters Meg and Katie held a special place in her heart, and together they created countless cherished memories—from park outings to fishing trips, to kitchen cabinets stocked with Captain Crunch and Smurfberry cereal.

In 1995, she embraced her new title of “Granny-Great” when her great-granddaughter Madison was born. Their bond was tender and profound, and most recently, Dorothy beamed with pride as she welcomed the arrival of her great-great-grandson, Noah—an introduction she greatly anticipated.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Hugh “Bud” Walbridge, her parents, and all nine of her siblings, along with several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her daughter A. Darlene Venuti of Kellogg, Idaho; her son Hugh Walbridge of Monmouth, Oregon; granddaughters Meg (Jim) Niple of Hilliard, Ohio and Katie (Gust) Johnson of Mullan, Idaho; grandson Marcus (Jessica)Axford of Monmouth, Oregon; great-granddaughter Lilliana Axford, great-granddaughter Madison (Brady) Jones of Los Gatos, California; and great-great-grandson Noah Jones. She also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends. Dorothy’s faithful dachshund, Murphy John, her constant companion, will miss her dearly.

To know Dorothy was to know joy, strength, and unwavering love. Her motto, “Stay Happy,” remains a guiding light for all who loved her. Her name Dorothy means a gift from God and in her own words that’s what she always hoped to be: a blessing to everyone.

Private interment will take place at Shoshone Memorial Gardens in Pinehurst, Idaho. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed… Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25,28

Memories of Dorothy and messages of condolence may be shared online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Walbridge family with arrangements.