Dorothy Ruth Arola

July 25, 1915- July 24, 2012

Capitola, California

Dorothy Arola passed away peacefully on the eve of her 97th birthday in Capitola, California. Dorothy was born July 25, 1915 in Warroad, Minnesota to John and Ruth Hanson. She had 6 brothers and sisters. Dorothy attended Warroad High School and then moved to work in the city of Detroit where she met and married her loving husband Roy Arola. After the birth of their child, Rockne Arola, they moved to San Diego, California, where Dorothy worked in the pharmaceutical industry. Over time Dorothy became active in real estate and the Arola family had the opportunity to live along the entire California coast from Palm Springs, Oceanside, Hollywood, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, to Crescent City. Dorothy spent her final 30 years in Capitola to be close to her son’s familyand grandchildren Amy and Wes.

Dorothy was a woman of great strength and enduring love. She will be remembered for her warm heart and sincere friendship. Her family was the center of her world. She was an accomplished cook and entertainer, made prize-winning pies, and organized big family gatherings in the Scandinavian tradition which became famous. She also loved collecting fine fabrics and at one time planned to open a clothing store in Santa Cruz. Dorothy was an avid gardener and she attributed her longevity to her diet of natural foods and regular walks with her friends and dogs along the California coast.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Roy Arola. She is survived by her son Rockne Arola (Kathy) of Watsonville; grandchildren Amy Arola of Capitola and Wesley Arola of Santa Clara; brother Don Hanson of Warroad Minnesota, and sisters Jean Marie Batchelder and Thelma Jensen of California;nieces and nephews Jan, John, Michael, Skip, Ruth, Cameron, Chip, Deanne, Linda, Christi, Judith, Leslie, Kathy, and Ruth.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pacific Coast Manor for their loving care and support of Dorothy. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice and condolences may be sent to 1234 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076.

For the complete article see the 07-28-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-28-2012 paper.

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