Dorilee "Dodie" Gaye Churchill

Dorilee “Dodie” Churchill

1946-2026

Dorilee Gaye (Rucker) Churchill, aged 79 - also known as Dodie - passed away on September 21, 2026, at her home in McCall, Idaho from issues associated with Parkinson's Disease. Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed peacefully from this world to her heavenly home with her devoted husband by her bedside.

Dodie was born on November 7, 1946, in Caldwell, Idaho. She was the second of three daughters born to Ray Russell Rucker and Ruth Mae (Birkes) Rucker. Her father and mother provided a loving home while raising their family on a farm near Parma, Idaho. Dodie attended local schools and graduated from Parma High School. During Dodie’s senior year, her parents retired from farming life, selling the farm and moving to Boise to begin new careers. Desiring to finish out her senior year with friends, Dodie was allowed to stay behind and live with her Grandma Birkes. While in high school, Dodie became a believing Christian. She trusted in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and that became her northern star. After graduation, Dodie attended business school and then beauty school. She chose cosmetology as a career, one of her first jobs at Brookover’s in downtown Boise, followed by a lifetime of haircuts and perms for family and friends.

Dodie married Robert Michael (Mike) Churchill in August of 1968 at Whitney Baptist Church in Boise, Idaho. In 1971, while Mike was serving in the Army and stationed in Missouri, they welcomed their daughter, Heather. Three years later, after returning to Boise, son Bryan joined the family. Dodie was a devoted wife and mother and energetically cared for her growing family - nurturing her children, keeping house, gardening, serving an array of delicious meals and desserts, and diligently sewing. The kids remember many an hour spent at JoAnn Fabrics, waiting (somewhat impatiently) for their mother to find the perfect pattern and material for her projects. The young family attended Lake Hazel Baptist Church where Dodie made many friends and faithfully attended and served for over 20 years. Graciously, she had a listening ear and a hot meal for anyone in need. Her life was devoted to the Lord and her family.

Dodie liked to travel. In their younger years, Mike and Dodie enjoyed motorcycle trips with friends, traveling all over the West Coast and into Canada. Mike and Dodie were married for 58 years, each one a blessed adventure. After Mike retired from his finance career, the couple embarked on a new adventure and chose to make the move to McCall. Dodie loved being in the mountains and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation. Thereafter, they began serving at Camp Pinewood - caring for the grounds and buildings, planning meals, cooking for groups, and tending to behind-the-scenes details of “church camp”. This was hard work, but Dodie did it faithfully and with love. Her grandchildren have many special memories of visiting Grandma and Grandpa at camp - exploring the grounds and lodge - and often getting a treat from the kitchen or a cup of hot chocolate in the winter.

After retiring from camp ministry, Dodie and Mike were blessed to have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. This was a special trip for the couple - seeing Scripture come to life. She cherished these memories. Even in her last months, Dodie would watch live footage of the beautiful streets of Jerusalem, enjoying the scenery and people.

Dodie’s hope and joy was in her Savior (Rom 15:13) and in his abundant mercy and grace (Eph. 2:4-5). She cherished her husband and best friend. She loved and enjoyed her children and grandchildren, faithfully praying for them. And she appreciated sweet visits with her sisters. Dodie was quiet, kind, gentle, welcoming, soft-spoken, patient, and humble - a reflection of her relationship with Jesus. She loved hugs, flowers, and chocolate and had a beautiful, warm smile. We will miss her greatly but are comforted and rejoice to know she is with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8).

The family would like to express their appreciation to the St. Luke’s Hospice team. You came alongside and offered help and support when it was needed most.

Dodie was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ruth Rucker. She is survived by her husband, Mike Churchill; her children, Heather Wittell and Bryan (Carrie) Churchill; her nine grandchildren; her fifteen great grandchildren; her sisters, Lafawn Elsberry and Linda (Tim) Henrickson; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at McCall Baptist Church, 200 Stibnite St. McCall, Idaho 83638. Pastor Coby Lathrop will be officiating. A private interment will be at McCall Cemetery.

If desired, memorials in Dodie’s honor can be directed to McCall Baptist Church or Camp Pinewood in McCall, Idaho.

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Funeral arrangements are under the care of McCall Funeral Home.