Irene Dodson

Long-time Indian Wells Valley resident, Irene Dodson, died peacefully on October 24, 2024.  She was 99.  Irene was born on July 13, 1925, in Seminole, PA to Joseph and Louisa Stepulla.  After WWII, she moved to southern California and was employed as a civilian on the Navy base at China Lake.  There, she met Frederick Dodson who was an enlisted man on base.  They married in 1948 and were assigned by the Navy to various places – Saipan, Guam, Millington, TN, San Diego, and Corpus Christi, TX.  In 1956, Fred was again stationed at China Lake.  The couple remained in the Indian Wells Valley to raise their three school-aged children.  Irene returned to work on base as a library technician at the Technical Library until 1975 when she retired.  In retirement, Irene and Fred enjoyed trailer camping and fishing in the Eastern Sierra region.  After Fred's death in 1999, Irene maintained an active lifestyle by taking Tai Chi, yoga, and swim aerobics classes.  She also was active at the Senior Center and enjoyed crocheting hats and lap robes for charity.  Irene is survived by her son, Fred J. Dodson, daughters, Snowdy Dodson and Laura Rainey, and son-in-law Barry Rainey.  The family thanks the staff of the Bella Sera Skilled Nursing Facility for their kind and professional care during Irene's last seven months of life.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter or to your local shelter.  Irene's ashes will be interred next to those of her husband at a private ceremony.