Dorothy M. Vrungos

Dorothy Maxine Vrungos passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in West Hills, California, at the age of 96.

She was born in Creston and raised on a small farm with her four siblings, and late mother and father, Hilda and Inar Peterson. Upon graduating Creston High School in 1944, at age 17, she attended the American Institute of Business where she received business training.

She left Creston in 1944 to work for the United States government at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, for six years. There, she met James Vrungos, whom she married in 1950 and soon moved to Westwood, California, after James was offered a job at Hughes Aircraft.

Always industrious, Dorothy held multiple job roles during her career, beginning as a senior typist/clerk at UCLA library from 1951-1953, a first grade teacher at Carden School in Malibu, California, from 1971-1974, a secretary III to the principal at Malibu Park Junior High from 1979 to 1994, and after retiring there, an office manager for her nephew’s structural engineering firm for the next six years.

She was a full time, dedicated mother, who raised three children in Reseda, California, and then Malibu, in addition to attending Santa Monica City College and UCLA, finishing only a few courses shy of an associate degree.

Dorothy enjoyed several hobbies. In addition to being a gourmet cook throughout her life, she loved clogging and was an avid rubber stamper, making beautiful, elaborate handmade cards.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her brothers, Willard, Harold and Leonard Peterson.

She is survived by her three children: Craig (Debbie) Vrungos of Whidbey Island, Washington, Kim Vrungos of Los Angeles, California, and Shelley Vrungos of Huntington Beach, California; her sister, Linnea (Donald) Levine, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of her Life will take place March 10. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.