Delores Mae Kauzlarich

Delores (Dodie) Mae Kauzlarich, 77, of Cle Elum, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Dodie was born on February 18, 1949 in Naches, Washington to Bernice (Gayer) and James Barry. Her junior year of high school brought a move to Cle Elum, where her father worked as a coal miner in nearby Roslyn. Cle Elum became her lifelong home. There she captured the heart of Albert (Skip) Kauzlarich, and together they had two children, Scott and Brandi.

Dodie's career was as spirited and varied as she was. She drove school buses, hauled logs for Skip, and sold cars before finding her true calling in real estate, where her competitive nature and determined spirit made her a natural standout. She worked with Alpine Realty, Mountain Home, and later RE/MAX, and was known not only for her drive but for the way she lifted others around her, mentoring those new to the field and sharing her knowledge generously. In her later years, she traded the open houses for a different kind of hospitality, spending her time behind the bar at the Cle Elum Eagles, where she never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. 

Those who knew Dodie best would describe her as a spitfire, strong willed, hardworking, and unforgettable. She was charismatic and quick to make people laugh, and there was rarely a dull moment in her company. She had an eye for style, always dolled up, often in a leather jacket, and partial to a nice truck. She played softball in her younger years and carried that competitive fire with her throughout her life, whether she was closing a deal or cleaning out the pot at poker night. She loved to travel, chasing the ocean breeze and exploring corners of the country, and she made a friend everywhere she went. At home, she kept a beautifully landscaped yard full of colorful flowers and a pond stocked with fish, a source of quiet pride that reflected the care she put into everything she loved.

Above all, Dodie cherished being a grandma. She was deeply proud of her family, finding joy in every moment spent together. She hosted pool parties, braided hair, and threw cousin sleepovers that the grandkids will never forget. Her home was the gathering place for holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving feasts, and legendary poker nights. She was exceptionally good at cards, and guests were wise to remember it.

Dodie is preceded in death by her brother James (Jim) Barry and parents Bernice and James Barry. She is survived by her loving partner Tom (Jeff) Kasinger; children Scott (Haley) Kauzlarich and Brandi (Dave) Cook; her grandchildren Kaelesha (Michael) Black, Kassidy (Beau) Shain, Kaytlin Kauzlarich, Natalie Kauzlarich, and Audrey Kauzlarich; and her great grandchildren Michael, Maelynn, and Maverick.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 2:00 PM at the Roslyn Eagles.