Delores L. Sullivan's Obituary
Delores Lorraine Sullivan
July 17, 1932 – May 8, 2013
Delores Lorraine Sullivan (Faatz) , 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 8, 2013. She was born on July 17, 1932 in Butte, Nebraska. She was the eldest of 7 children born to Edward & Lydia Faatz. Her father died at a young age and as the oldest she helped support and raise her brothers and sisters. At an early age Dee made a commitment to Christ which clearly shaped her life of service.
She was high school Valedictorian for her class and left home for North Central Bible College in 1952. There she met Wayne Sullivan where they were both actively involved in the music program. On June 19, 1953 they married and moved to Iowa for their first pastorate. As Assembly of God ministers they served congregations and communities in Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri, Texas and California. During their time in Des Moines, Iowa, Dee was nominated as Working Woman of the Year and was on Television. She didn’t win but was offered a job by a government agency in Washington D.C. She declined because her heart was to be a minister and minister’s wife. A central theme of her life was to help and serve the many people in need that crossed her path. While pastoring in Missouri in 1972 she went back to college to pursue her passion for music and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Voice graduating Magna Cum Laude. She taught grade school and high school choirs loving every minute of it. She also loved teaching Sunday School classes and directed many summer camps and church choirs.
Wayne & Dee had four children Kevin, Cheryl, Rita and Dawn. After all the kids had graduated, Wayne & Dee traveled for a year as Evangelists. During that time they recorded an album in Nashville. She had a solo on the album titled “Lord I Can’t Live Without You”. The album was called “In His Service”.
They went back to full time pastoral ministry in Texas and later to Los Angeles, CA to be closer to the majority of their children. Dee became interested in counseling psychology with a Christian perspective and with Wayne earned a Doctorate’s degree in Clinical Counseling. Eventually they moved to St. Helens, OR where Dee opened Lifeline Counseling & Training Center. Wayne joined her where they served from 1994 – 2001. Her lifelong desire to serve and help others carried over to many residents in Columbia County. She never turned anyone away. Dee was also asked to serve the County Courts with various programs designed for those coming through the court system.
In 2001 when Dee was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she with great sadness closed the practice. The next several years were difficult as she was highly intelligent, with a passion for public speaking and reading. As her illness progressed, Wayne her husband of 60 years became her full-time caregiver. In the last year Laurie Walker came to help 6 hours a day with Dee’s care. Her love and care for Dee was a tremendous help to Wayne and the family.
Dee is survived by her husband Wayne Sullivan, Son Kevin (and his wife LaVena), daughter’s Cheryl Sullivan, Rita Franklin and Dawn Zieger (and her husband Bobby). She also is survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Surviving brothers and sisters include Al Faatz, Nancy Erickson, Betty Bjornlie, Larry Faatz and Paul Faatz. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward & Lydia Faatz, stepdad Forrest Overton, sisters Elaine Walker and LaVonne Faatz and Son-in-law Timothy Franklin.
She accomplished so much in her life and helped many but above all she loved God with all her heart which gave her a hope and now an eternity with Christ.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 1 at 11:00 am at Columbia River Foursquare Church at 555 Commons Drive in St. Helens, OR.
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