Dolores "Dee" Hutchings

On August 8, 1934, in a small farmhouse in the hills above Scotts Mills, Oregon, Dolores (Dee) Toepfer Roemer Hutchings was born to her parents, Agustine “Gus” & Gertrude “Gertie” Toepfer. She was their third and final child. She had two loving and occasionally mischievous older brothers, Richard and Virgil. The family later moved to Woodburn, Oregon, where she grew up on the family farm and graduated from Woodburn High School in 1953. Dee joined the workforce as a member of the clerical pool for the Oregon State Police in Salem. She met her first husband, Gene Roemer whom she married in 1962, and began her long association with Gene’s restaurant, “Roemer’s.” After Gene’s passing in 1963, Dee continued to own and manage the restaurant and bar until she met and eventually married Robert (Bob) Hutchings in 1967. Like her parents, she gave birth to three children: Scott, Lori, and, after leaving Oregon, Chip. Despite a heart full of love for her family, Dee eventually divorced Bob and returned to home to Woodburn in 1974, where, as a single mother, she settled back into life at “Roemer’s,” which had been renamed to the “The Mark” and then “Chung Sing.” She spent the remainder of her career managing the bar and became a beloved fixture of the town where she served many generations their first drinks, celebrated their victories, and offered comfort during hard times. Without realizing it, Momma Dee became known and loved by many in the community; she was the glue that brought people together. Her children grew up, graduated, and each took their own, individual, path; one entering college, one joining the Army, and the third finding their way after some youthful missteps and adventures. Dolores eventually retired in 2000 going to live with Lori. The two spent many happy years together, supporting each other. Sadly, in 2018, after a fall at home, Dee moved into assisted living at Emerald Gardens. It was there, during the sunset years of her life, that she earned the nickname “Terminator,” because nothing seemed to keep her down for long. However, time is the great equalizer, and on November 25, 2025, age and pneumonia overcame her iron will. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, and both husbands. Momma Dee is survived by her children; their spouses, Jessica (Scott), Shawn (Lori), and Carrie (Chip); and grandchildren, Elsie, Alex, Riley, Derrick, Logan; and Nieces Chris Tubra and Debbie Prinslow. She will be remembered for her resilience, generosity, and the countless lives she touched. Memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 10th at 1PM at Simon-Cornwell Memorial Chapel in Woodburn. Interment will be at a later date at St. Luke's Catholic Cemetery also in Woodburn. The family would like to thank the staff of Emerald Gardens for their love and dedication in caring for our mother, Dolores.

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Dolores "Dee" Hutchings

August 8, 1934 - November 25, 2025