Dorothy LeAnne Walker

A compassionate cat lover, Dorothy LeAnne Walker, 69, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away on November 8th, 2023. 

She was born in Klamath Falls to Donald and Vivian Wells, who showed her the beauty of camping and the outdoors while growing up. Dorothy attended Henley High School before studying Criminology at Southern Oregon University. Dorothy was a Certified CADC II, QMHA and Trauma Specialist. She spent a lifelong career helping people through their addictions and trauma issues. She has served the Klamath Basin for over 30 years in that role and touched many lives along the way. 

Dorothy made friends wherever she went. Her kind spirit always seemed to draw people to her, and she always had a kind word for anyone who needed it. Dorothy had two special friends that she spent the majority of her time with: Crystal Miller and Carol Koberg; the three were inseparable. They all bonded over an egg salad sandwich from Casey’s Restaurant where they continued to eat every Friday since 2008. 

Dorothy was passionate about her work and had a 30-year career in the Counseling field with a specialty in trauma. Dorothy worked for a multitude of agencies in Klamath County including, but not limited, to The Consortium (where she worked for the infamous Boyd Sharpe), KCTC, Wembly House where she was the Clinical Supervisor, LCS as a Clinical Supervisor and made her last stop in her career at Klamath County Community Corrections where she did her most impactful work. Dorothy has sat on several boards throughout her career such as the Klamath County Mental Health Adversary Board and the Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee and held a current board position until her passing.  

Everyone who knew Dorothy knew how much she loved yard sales and thrift stores. She could never pass up a yard sale sign.  Dorothy was well known for her green thumb when it came to plants and plant care. She would often take-home plants from work and say she put them in the “plant hospital.” There was never a plant that did not come back green and thriving. After she retired, she would continue to go to Community Corrections to water plants. She referred to herself as the “professional plant waterer.” Dorothy also had a love for animals and loved hers dearly. She was famous for rescuing animals that needed a home and never turned down a chance to help any animal that crossed her path including raccoons, skunks, and a raven that she found in her yard. Dorothy was well versed when it came to aromatherapy, crystals and stones. She would often show up with a bag full of aromatherapy oils that she would pass around for people in what she referred to as “bringing the calm.” 

Though Dorothy loved cats, dogs, plants, and shopping, her favorite role was that as a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Meemaw/grammy. She never failed to spoil them and show them what love really means.  

Dorothy will always be remembered for her kind caring words, her love for the holidays and the way that she smiled. We’ll always imagine hearing her say “Oh my” one last time. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother, grandmother and friend and will miss Dorothy every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Vivian Wells and is survived by her son Zayus Knoke, daughter Zephyr Knoke and grandchildren Emma Dixon, Jordan Knoke, Michael Knoke and Aeries Knoke. 

A memorial for Dorothy will be held at Davenport’s Chapel of the Good Shepard on Saturday, November 18th from 1-3PM. Donations to the Klamath Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated. 

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