Dorothy A. Heustis

Dorothy A. Heustis, born on January 26, 1933, in Hamilton, Montana, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at Aspen Park of Cascadia in Moscow, Idaho. A beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy lived a life dedicated to her family and community.

Dorothy’s early life was spent in the Moscow area, where she attended school and graduated from Moscow High School. Her career encompassed various roles; she worked diligently as a house cleaner for several families in Moscow and spent many years as a cook at the Mount Deary Cafe, the Corner Cafe in Deary and the Harvard Cafe. These roles reflected her nurturing spirit, as she also dedicated herself wholeheartedly to being a mother to her children, Sue and Randy.

Her love story began when she met Olliver Heustis at the New Hong Kong restaurant in Moscow after a local ball game. They were united in marriage on July 1, 1950, in a memorable four-ring ceremony alongside friends Floyd and Joann Hatley. Together, they built a life that included stops in Moscow, Avery, and Clarkia before settling in Deary.

Dorothy's interests extended beyond her professional commitments. She was an enthusiastic bowler, traveling across the country to partake in various tournaments. One memorable experience even led her and her fellow bowlers onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, showcasing her spirited nature. Dorothy was also heavily involved in her community, becoming an integral part of the Morning Star Rebekah Lodge in Deary, where she was installed as a member on November 17, 1965. Dorothy embraced numerous leadership roles within the lodge, including serving as Noble Grand and advising the Theta Rho group with Doris Hansen. She also devoted 34 years, from 1989 to 2023, volunteering at the Deary Adventist Thrift Store, generously giving her time and spending countless hours serving her community with a warm smile and a giving heart.

A passion for family time led the Heustis family on many camping adventures, with Dorothy especially cherishing their trips to the St. Joe River. Her legacy continues through her son, Randy Heustis of Deary, ID, and her daughter, Sue (Phil) of Moscow, as well as her loving brothers, Skip Knapik of Kennewick and David Knapik of Moscow. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacob (Angela) Anderson, Joshua (Marci) Anderson, Jessica (Ryan) Hughes, Carrisa Dawn Heustis and Kelsey Nicole Heustis and and her great-grandchildren, Connor, Jocelyn, Marcus, Olivia, Kynlee & Cooper. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded by her parents and siblings, brother Bill and sister Jean.

Viewing will be held from 12-4p.m Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow. A funeral service celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held on March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Short's Funeral Chapel, located at 1225 East 6th Street in Moscow, Idaho. Friends and family are invited to come together to honor the memory of a remarkable woman whose warm spirit and selfless love will forever linger in the hearts of those she touched. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery in Deary and a Potluck at the Deary Community Center following the burial.