Dorothy Trafton Skillicorn

Dorothy Elizabeth Trafton Skillicorn was born in Watsonville on February 6, 1913. She left this earth to be with Jesus on February 6, 2016, her 103rd birthday. She was the only child of Thomas and Elizabeth Trafton, a pioneer family who settled in the Pajaro Valley in 1854. Dorothy attended Pajaro Grammar School and graduated from Watsonville High School. At 18, she married Elmer Skillicorn and together they raised 3 children; Dick, Ron and Terre Anne.
Dorothy was an inspiration to all who came to know her. Her love, generosity and time for her family, church and community was extraordinary. She was involved in an extensive array of community activities including Board of Directors of the Pajaro Valley Historical Society, Women's Guild of All Saints Episcopal Church, Watsonville Women's Club, Lily of the Valley Chapter of Eastern Star and Watsonville Beautification Committee. She received numerous awards for her contributions, one of special note being chosen "1991 Women of the Year" by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Dorothy's greatest joy was her family and each one was blessed by the special attention, love and acceptance she gave them. She loved family gatherings, big and small. She actively supported all her children's activities, including 4H, DeMoley and Rainbow Girls.
Dorothy lived her first 85 years on Trafton Road. She enjoyed ranch life; gardening, cooking, reading, swimming and walking her dog. She had a special love for birds, collecting many bird figurines. She enjoyed her final 18 years at the Valley Heights Senior Community.
In addition, Dorothy generously made her "Ranch Rumpus Room" facility available to charitable organizations, community/education groups, and many private groups, friends and family.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Dick (Jean) Skillicorn of Watsonville, (Carol) Skillicorn of Cameron Park, CA, and Terre Anne (Dan) Bechtel of San Carlos, CA, 8 grandchildren: Beth (Don) Olsen, Steve (Judy) Skillicorn, Brent (Fran) Skillicorn, Deon Skillicorn, Dirk (Margaret) Skillicorn, Curt Bechtel, Cliff (Anita) Bechtel, Claire (Chris) Cosentino, 21 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Her husband Elmer and son Ron predeceased her.
Her family thanks Valley Heights Senior Community for the special considerations given and thanks to Watsonville Hospital, Valley Convalescent Hospital and Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their loving care in her final days.
A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 437 Rogers Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076, on February 19, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Remembrances may be made in her name to; Pajaro Valley Historical Society, Watsonville Women's Club, All Saints Episcopal Church in Watsonville or Hospice of Santa Cruz County.