Ellen “Dot” Givens Obituary (1939 - 2025)

It is with great love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen "Dot" Givens on February 18, 2025. Born on July 15, 1939, in Portland, Oregon, Dot was a woman of remarkable spirit and vitality. Her life was a tapestry of creative expression, professional accomplishment, and generous love for her family and community. She was a beacon of reliability, always there with a listening ear and a comforting word. Dot's unwavering generosity and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Dot was a talented woman who could turn her hand to anything. She was a successful realtor, business owner, and part owner of the family's mushroom business. Despite her many professional achievements, it was her creative pursuits that truly showcased her vibrant spirit. Dot was an accomplished quilter, seamstress, and artist, known for her beautiful renaissance clothing, beadwork, and craft projects. She found joy in making doll houses, wood burning, and painting. A lover of the festive season, she took great delight in decorating her five large Christmas trees each year. Dot’s zest for life was infectious, and she lived her life with a quote from Helen Keller close to her heart, "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all." She embodied this sentiment in every aspect of her life, from her travels through Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, to her return to her beloved Centralia. Dot's dedication to living life to the fullest was evident in her tireless pursuit of new experiences and her unwavering commitment to her family. In her last days with a big smile she expressed how lucky she was and how she had been able to do all the things she wanted to do. Dot is survived by her loving family; her sons, Mike (Norma) Givens, David (Saundra) Schaller, and W Brian Givens; her daughter, Julene Givens; her daughter-in-law, Christina Drake; her sister, Bobbi Jo Stevens; her brother, John (Diane) Zimbra; her grandchildren, Lorraine (Marco) Brown, Anita Givens, Mariecela Givens, Sass Givens, Suni Givens, Amanda (Mitch) Webber, John Givens, D Ray (Kerri) Schaller, Sabrina (Ashby) Hudson, Leslie Givens, and Shannon Givens; and her great-grandchildren, Kallysta, Merrick, Leeonna, Luke, Jessi, Roman, Jordan, Bjorn, Nema, Katherine, Bonnie, Turner, and Upton. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Givens; her son, Robert (Jan) Givens; her daughter Renee Damitz; her parents, John Zimbra and Ellen Evenson; her brother, Eddie Zimbra; and her sister, Gloria Hoerth. As we remember Dot, we encourage all who knew and loved her to share their memories and photos on her memorial page. Each shared memory, each photo, is a testament to a life lived with passion, creativity, and love. Let us celebrate the extraordinary woman that was Ellen "Dot" Givens and cherish the beautiful memories she left behind.