Dorothy Jane Bliss

Dorothy Jane (Koch) Bliss, 82, longtime resident of Muskogee, passed away early Saturday morning, February 18, 2017, with her family by her side. Born September 19, 1934, in New York, NY, to Henry and Irma (Grimm) Koch, she grew up in Mattituck and Flushing, NY. She attended the public schools and graduated from Bayside High School with the class of 1952. After high school, she furthered her education by attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. On July 31, 1955, Dorothy married Charles Fred Bliss III in Tahlequah, OK. Together they have shared over 61 years of life and marriage together. During Fred’s active service in the Army, they were stationed at Fort Benning, GA, Fort Campbell, KY, West Point, NY, Fort Leavenworth, KS, Rochester, NY, Washington, D.C. and Fort Riley, KS. Upon his retirement in 1974, they decided to move to Muskogee, OK, where they made their home. Dorothy went to work at Viva’s—an apparel and home accessory shop, which she purchased in 1982. For over 25 years, she owned Viva’s and continued to work there with her daughter, Donna Bliss, until her retirement in 2011. Her hobbies included family activities, reading, theatre, movies and her beloved pets. She is a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Her favorite quote—“True happiness—if you love to read, if you love nature and if you have a dog, you’ve got it made!” She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Irma Koch. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Charles “Fred” Bliss; her children, James Alan Bliss and Donna Ann Bliss; her grandchildren, James Curtis Bliss, Stephen “Michael” Hart, Elizabeth Bliss Hart, Madeline Jane Hart, Daniel Bliss and Danna Bliss; and her 3 great grandchildren; many other family members and friends who will miss her. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be 1:30 pm Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Reverend David Burris officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Hart, James Bliss, Billy Bliss, Chuck Purkey, Roy Flinn and Steven Stacks. Interment will be in Tahlequah City Cemetery in Tahlequah, OK. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church or PAWS. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1830 N. York Street, Muskogee, OK. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.

Dorothy Jane Bliss

September 19, 1934 - February 18, 2017