Dorothy Schmitz

Dot (Dorothy) Schmitz went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 19, 2026 in Tacoma, WA, surrounded by her family, following a brief illness.

Dot was born in McMinnville, OR on February 12, 1936, the daughter of Lyle and Isabel Hurless. Unbeknownst to her at the time, she met her husband-to-be in the 1st grade, and once they realized their love for each other, they were married on August 18, 1957. Dot and Bruce enjoyed boating in the inland waters of the Pacific Northwest. They visited national parks in their RV, and traveled abroad extensively, visiting 19 countries together over the years. Dot volunteered with organizations including Puget Sound Blood Bank, Meals on Wheels, and was a Girl Scout leader. An avid reader herself, Dot supported many children by participating in reading programs for students at several grade schools. Most recently, Dot and Bruce lived in Gig Harbor, WA and are members of One Hope Church.

Dot is survived by her loving husband Bruce Schmitz Sr., their three children Carolyn (Ted) Swinburne, Cheryl (Mike) Chase and Bruce Jr. (Monica) Schmitz, their six grandchildren Steve (Reneé) Swinburne, Tim (Brynne) Swinburne, Phil (Arahka) Swinburne, John (Marissa) Chase, Kim (Jim) Stevens and Bruce III (Katie) Schmitz, as well as their thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Dean Hurless, sister Della Campbell and twin brother Don Hurless.

A memorial service will be held on September 19th at 2:00 PM at Peninsula Christian Fellowship, 3114 45th St. Gig Harbor WA 98335.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to One Hope Church, Seattle Children’s Hospital or the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank.