Gladys "Jean" Dorn

Gladys "Jean" Dorn, age 96, passed away on March 16, 2026.

Gladys Dorn was lovingly known as "Jean," a name she preferred, given to her by her first husband, Carl Risinger. Jean was born to Pete and Selma Larson on June 5, 1929, in Spokane, Washington.

At just 15 years old, Jean left Spokane with her older sister, Mary, and moved to Tacoma, where she worked in food service as a carhop.
Around that same young age, she met the love of her life, Carl Risinger. They married and built a life together, living in Kentucky and Florida as their family grew.

Together, they had six children: Robert, Randall, Richard, Ronald, Roger, and Kathy. While Carl was often away, Jean carried the responsibility of raising their children, doing so largely on her own with the support of her parents. She later moved to Wenatchee with her six children to be closer to family before eventually returning to Spokane. After Carl passed away at the age of 35, Jean continued as a single mother—a role she carried with strength for most of her life.

In her later 30s, Jean met Leonard Dorn. They married and welcomed their daughter, Jena, completing her family of seven children—a role she took immense pride in and poured her heart into.

Jean worked for many years at Holy Family Hospital in Environmental Services before retiring. Even after retirement, she stayed active by working in the kitchen at her son Randall's childcare center, where she loved being surrounded by family.

Jean found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved riding her bike all over Spokane well into her 70s and spending time with loved ones.
She could drive, but she much preferred her bike as transportation.

She especially cherished time at her daughter Jena and son-in-law Al's lake property, where she could be surrounded by her children-Roger and Laura, Rick and Elva, Ronald, Kathy and Joe-and all of her grandchildren.

Jean was deeply involved in her family's lives. She attended holidays, birthdays, and countless sporting events with her son Randall and his wife Georgetta. It was often said by her daughter Jena, "If we can't find Mom, she's with Randall and Georgetta."

She also looked forward to the weekly phone calls from her oldest son, Robert. After his passing, it meant so much to her that his son, Rob, continued that tradition.

She will always be remembered for the little things that made her special--like being the queen of Vaseline, always leaving a little behind in every hug and kiss. She didn't love having her picture taken, but she loved looking at photos of her family. She even restored many pictures and created albums for each of her children to hold onto those memories.

Jean had a strong and steady faith. She loved reading her Bible and going to church.

It was an honor for her son Randall to care for her in her later years, and her family is deeply grateful for the love and dedication he gave to their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

We will all smile remembering how, in her later years, she called everyone "Randall", even her caregivers.

Jean is survived by her children: Randall (Georgetta), Richard "Rick" (Elva), Roger (Laura), Kathy (Joe) ; 21 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Jean was proceeded in death by her parents Pete and Selma; her sons Robert and Ronald; and daughter Jena.

Jean was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She lived a life of resilience, humility, and love that will continue on through generations.

Rest in peace, Jean-you've earned it.
With love, your family.