Dorothy Jean (Runnells) Knapp, 80, of Federal Way, Washington passed away on July 9, 2013 after a long illness.

A family graveside service will be held at the Washington Memorial Cemetery on July 11, 2013.

Dorothy, or D.J. as she was known to many was born in Miami, Florida on July 28, 1932 to Leona and Thomas Raymond Runnells. Dorothy grew up in many cities as her father worked for Pan American Airways as a radio man with the flight crew. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1950.

Dorothy was married to the love of her life, Jimmie Knapp on September 7, 1951. They were married for 37 years until his death in 1988. Dorothy and Jimmie met in Honolulu, Hawaii and were married in Seattle Washington. They lived in Tokyo, Japan, several cities in California, and Fallon, Nevada before settling in Seattle Washington.

Dorothy worked in retail sales for Peoples Department Store and Mervyns Department Store at SeaTac Mall for many years. She took great pride in her customer service skills and made many friends along the way.

Dorothy’s family fondly remembers her laughter and her love of life. We will miss our mom but are grateful she is at peace and with our Dad.

Dorothy is survived by 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Donna (Knapp) Niemi and Mark Niemi (Children Bryce and Nikki Niemi) of Maple Valley Washington, Linda Knapp of Kent, Washington, Sharon (Knapp) Busch and Greg Busch (Children Katie Busch, Lauren Busch, and Jimmie Busch), of Juneau, Alaska, and Lisa Knapp of Federal Way, Washington.