Dorothy Jean Himes (McClure), 83

Dorothy Jean Himes (McClure) passed away Friday, April 3, 2026, while in hospice care in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Dorothy was born June 1, 1942, in Oil City, Pa., to Grace (Smith) and Dean Attleberger. She was the oldest of seven siblings: Rosie, Barb, Billy, David, Jimmy (d.) and Ronald (d.).

Dorothy, known as “Dot,” graduated from Cranberry High School in Oil City, Pa., in 1960. She then began working as a secretary at her father’s tool and die business. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, Arthur “Tom” Himes, in 1962.

Dorothy and Tom welcomed their first child in 1963 and a second child in 1965. In 1970, the young family ventured west, first settling in Boulder, Colo. After two years, they continued up the Front Range to Missoula, Mont. The Himes family fell in love with the Big Sky State and planted strong roots there that continue today. In 1977, they purchased a general store in Condon, Mont., which they operated together until 1979. Dorothy and Tom continued to build a life and business together in the Missoula area for many years, with both children graduating from Montana schools.

Her husband, known as “Big Tom,” passed away due to illness at age 55 in 1998. Following his passing, Dorothy moved to North Idaho to be near her daughter and grandchildren, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Dorothy had a love for Elvis, baking, and, most of all, her grandchildren. She and Tom welcomed four grandchildren, beginning in 1984. Dorothy was a devoted grandmother who supported many band concerts, driving lessons, graduations, and birthday celebrations. An avid reader, she was happiest when surrounded by loved ones, sitting in her favorite chair with a good book, a game show on television, and a cup of tea. Her kitchen was no stranger to snickerdoodle cookies or pumpkin pies.

She enjoyed nature, as reflected in her move out west, and was always surrounded by forests, mountains, and a budding garden. She loved dogs, especially those named “Nicky,” of which she had four. Dorothy also loved board and card games, particularly Bunco, which she played frequently with friends. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Preceptor Omicron chapter, in Sandpoint, Idaho, where she enjoyed engaging in social and philanthropic activities with her fellow members.

Dorothy is survived by loved ones across the country, including her daughter, Pamela Fish of Round Rock, Texas; her son, Thomas Himes of Stevensville, Mont.; her grandchildren, Tyler King of Round Rock, Texas, Matthew King of Lubbock, Texas, Brandon Bowles of Arvada, Colo., and Logan Fish of Raleigh, N.C.; and her great-grandchildren, Austin King, Brady King, and Dakota King of Round Rock, Texas.

A private ceremony will be held with family in June 2026. She will be put to rest in the mountains of Montana alongside “Big Tom.” 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory are respectfully requested to support the scholarship fund at Beta Sigma Phi. Donations may be made by mailing checks to: Beta Sigma Phi ℅ Nancy Thompson, P.O. Box 105, Kootenai, ID 83840.

Dorothy Jean Himes

Born: June 1, 1942, Oil City, Pennsylvania

Died: April 3, 2026, Sandpoint, Idaho.