Dorose Zink Harrington

Dorose Zink Harrington, 89, formerly of Moline, IL, died Monday, February 8, 2021 in Mesa, AZ from COVID-19-induced heart failure, just one week before her 90th birthday.

Dorose Oleta Zink was born February 16, 1931, in Evansville, IN, to W. Leland and C. Mary (McKibben) Zink. She was named after her grandmothers, Dora and Rose.

She grew up on a farm near Plano, IL, where she was involved in 4-H projects for both boys (chickens) and girls (sewing). She played the piano and flute while getting straight A's at Plano High School. She graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics: Household Appliances.

Dorose met her future husband, Roy Harrington, when he worked on the farm for a summer as an agricultural engineering student because her father tested farm equipment. The two wed on September 6, 1953 and moved to Moline, IL where Roy worked for John Deere. Dorose worked for Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric Co for three years, demonstrating how to use home appliances such as dishwashers and automatic dryers to people buying them for the first time.

Much of her adult life was spent raising 3 daughters and enjoying 5 grandchildren. She was adventurous, encouraging Roy to take a job with Ford Foundation in India for 5 years.

She was generous with her time, delivering homebound meals weekly for 25 years and volunteered at the Quad City Botanical Center gift shop. She worked in the Women’s Building at the annual Sandwich Fair under the direction of her friend from childhood. She judged Junior Clothing for some time.

Dorose was an active member of First Baptist Church, Moline for 66 years where she sang alto in choir, mended clothes for disabled adults, helped with seasonal decorating, and processed books for the church library. When Red Hat Societies became popular, she championed one at church.

Her creativity was boundless, primarily expressed through sewing clothing, costumes for grandchildren and weaving baskets. She also did floral arranging, knitting, painting, and calligraphy.

She was a faithful friend to many, affectionately naming her long time YMCA water exercise group "VIBES" (Village Inn Breakfast and Exercise Society).

When her family farm was sold, Roy and Dorose kept ownership of 85 acres of woods, lakes, and cabin where their wedding reception was held. Many events, including birthdays, anniversaries, and class reunions were held there, including the family Thanksgiving celebration for 46 years.

Dorose is survived by her three daughters, Ellen (Jim) Bachman of Mesa, AZ, Janet (Tom) Fish of Clinton, OH, and Linda Timmons of Elgin, IL. Her five grandchildren are Myra Thompson of Chicago, IL, Brad Thompson (Margaret Jodlowski) of Columbus, OH, Marilyn Fish of Clinton Ohio, Lauren Timmons Sund (Chase Sund) of West Hollywood, CA, and Lindsay Timmons of Elgin, IL. Also surviving is her younger brother, Phillip (Anne) Zink of North Oaks, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Roy Harrington, and older brother Frank Zink.

Ashes will be scattered by the family near the cabin at Plano after cremation in Arizona.

A Memorial Celebration will be held on her birthday, February 16, at 7 pm Central Standard Time (CST) using Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83186842193
Meeting ID: 831 8684 2193
Passcode: 340737
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbhqXft69d

Rev. Tom Fish (son-in-law) will officiate and is interested in receiving memories to include by Monday, Feb. 15. Email to: tomfish1976@aol.com.

Memorial Gifts made be made to First Baptist Church Moline, IL
1901 29th Street, Moline, IL 61265
309-762-4581
Online: fbc-moline.org, GIVING tab.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.