Dorothy Ann Patellos

Dorothy Ann Patellos (Sohrakoff) peacefully passed on to her eternal home to be with our Lord and her beloved husband John on March 11, 2025. She was born in Colusa California on November 22, 1928, the youngest of 9 children. She is predeceased by her father and mother, Paul and Anna Sohrakoff as well as by all of her siblings, Paul, John, William, Nick, Nellie, Nettie, Vera, and Minnie.

Dorothy grew up in the town of Wheatland on the family farm with her brothers, sisters and her pet dog Blackie. Wheatland was a small community back then and she graduated in the top 10 of her high school class (there were only 9 graduates!). Her first job helping her family make ends meet, was working as a cashier at Woolworths. She did not have a car to drive back then but, with a smile recalled, her neighbor Mrs. Silvers driving her to work. She later moved in with her sister Vera and landed a job working for the State of California.

In 1956, Dorothy was swept off her feet at a dance by a young Air Force First Lieutenant named John Patellos. A few days later she put on her best little green dress and she and John went on a date to the movies. In 1957, after dating for a year, Dorothy and John drove up into the Sierras and got married in Carson City Nevada, beginning a 67-year marriage. They have 4 children, Kim (Mitchell), Carol (Ken Burrows), Mike (Cheryl Reilly) and Valerie (David Dotson). Dorothy was a wonderful and loving grandmother to Jennifer, Jessica, Victoria and Nicholas. She took care of John as his health declined in his latter years until his passing away in 2008. She is survived by all her children and grandchildren as they continue her legacy of family and love.

Dorothy found her calling early in life and quickly rose through the ranks to become CEO of her household. She was the cornerstone, the foundation of her home. She led her family with kindness and by gentle example of how to live with grace. She was present each and every day of her life for her family. She was always there to share an act of kindness or word of encouragement, lend an ear ready to listen to your story, or maybe just to give a needed smile and hug. Her passion for raising her family was ever-present and always on display as she was the last one to go to bed but also, always the first one to rise. Every morning, a hot pot of coffee and warm “good morning” greeted all who stumbled into the kitchen. She made sure your day started with a great breakfast, warm conversation and a dose of loving support.

Dorothy not only loved her family, but she also had so much fun eating at Brookfields, sipping a strawberry champagne, playing the slots at Thunder Valley or opening a new box of See’s candy. She detested the spotlight and lived with humility, never complaining while always loving unconditionally. We learned so many life lessons from mom and didn’t even realize she was teaching. She was just being her.

We love you mom. You have left your kids and grandkids with such a rich legacy of kindness and caring. You, along with dad, will always be in our hearts, memories, and prayers.

We would like to especially thank the care team at UC Davis Hospital, all the care givers on 4 East and the hospice workers that provided exceptional care and comfort for Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the name of Dorothy Patellos may be made to UC Davis Hospice Fund.