Renowned Seascape Artist and Beloved Mother Dies At 94

Dorothy L. Warr, later known as Dorothy L. Allen after her first husband (Joseph Packer Warr) passed away and she remarried (Elden Riddle Allen), died May 25th, 2011 of complications due to age.  She left behind a rich legacy as a mother for her 6 children, 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and she recently became a proud great-great-grandmother and we understand there is another on the way. 

Born August 28,1916 in Watts, Los Angeles, California, the oldest of 5 children, to Clarence and Edith Nay.  She married Joseph Packer Warr in 1934 at the age of 17, had a little baby girl who, unfortunately, only lived 2 months, and then had 5 healthy sons.  They lived in Alhambra, California during her early married life.  Then she and her family moved to Coos Bay, Oregon where they would stay for the next 13 years, first out in the Coos River country and then in town.  In 1964, she took her family to Eugene, Oregon where her husband continued his radio sports career. 

At the age of 40, while vacationing in California, Dorothy was given a set of art painting supplies from her husband for Christmas and happily gave up a day trip to Disneyland to start honing her skills.  Having always had a great desire to paint, she dedicated the next 20+ years of her life to perfecting her skills.  Her seascape oils were well sought after and became the standard for which all paintings would be compared.  She received numerous awards, taught classes, and sold her paintings all over the country.  To have a Dorothy Warr original was to have an incredible piece of art, another legacy which she leaves to us all.  As a crowning achievement to her painting career, she produced Limited Edition Lithographs (prints) of her 5 final seascape oils which are easily the best of her career.

In 1981, her first husband, Joe, died and she settled down into her LDS church service, as a Relief Society President, then as a full time missionary, and then as a Temple worker in both the Seattle and Portland Temples.  It was during that service that she met her second husband, Elden Riddle Allen and they were married for time in the Seattle Temple on May 5th, 1989.  They would remain in Eugene until 2006 when they came to Rexburg, Idaho to live with her son, Dennis Cary Warr, and daughter-in-law, Marti Castle Warr, where she saw the death of her second husband. 

Since that time, Dorothy has devoted her time to serving her family and friends.  Never did a day go by that she wasn’t making or doing something for someone.  She has crocheted hundreds of afghans and was even crocheting days before her death.  She died at 2:44 PM on May 25, 2011 at her son’s residence in Rexburg, Idaho.   Her service to all she came in contact was second to none and will never be forgotten.

There will be a brief memorial service for her at 539 Maple Drive, Rexburg, Idaho on Sunday, May 29th, at 4:00 PM.  Her body will then be transported to Eugene, Oregon where Musgrove Mortuary will provide her funeral service conducted by the local LDS church at 1155 President Street under the direction of Bishop Brant Cooper on Thursday, June 2nd, 2011.  The Viewing will be at 11:00 AM with the funeral following at 12:00 noon.  She will be buried at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Eugene next to her first husband, Joe Warr, following the funeral. 

Dorothy was partial to African Violets, but flowers of any type will be welcome at her funeral.  She loved bright colors as is evident in her beautiful afghans.  Our beloved Mother will be sorely missed.  She is very much loved by all.

Children

Grand Children

Sandra Louise Warr (deceased)

Brenda Jolene Rossberg – Alan Shaun Rossberg

Barry Joseph Warr –

Scott Raymond Warr –

Steven Packer Warr – Kathleen Boardman Warr

Todd Nelson –

Roger Nicholas Warr – Pamela Alexander Warr

Jennifer Dorlene Warr Wenck – Trenton Wenck

Dennis Cary Warr – Marti Castle Warr

Daniel Steven Warr – Roberte (Bobbie) France Lachapelle Warr

Joseph Packer Warr, Jr –

Kenneth Steven Warr –

 

Carrie Lynn Warr Magee –

 

Brenton Packer Warr –

 

Bryan Barnes –

 

Michelle Lynn Stevens – Jason Lynn Stevens

 

Great-Grand Children

Belize Meri Carleo-Hamilton – Matthew Kaiser Hamilton

Cassidy Savannah Wenck

Seychelle Pearl Rossberg

Alexander Thomas Warr

Preston Blaine Rossberg

Jessi-Claire Carmen Warr

Brittany Marie Warr

Alexis Lee Warr

Logan Scott Warr

Brendan Hunter Warr

Austin Scott Warr

Dakota Grey Bradford

Alexandria Jordan Nelson

Tjaden M. Stevens

Michael Tanner Nelson

 

 

Great-Great-Grand Children

Eve Rose Hamilton