Birth date: May 27, 1939 Death date: Dec 30, 2025
Dorthy Ann Willis was born on May 27, 1939, in Mesa, Arizona. At the time of her birth, her family was living in Pine, Arizona, in a log cabin built by her father. Because there were no doctors in Pine, her mother traveled to Mesa Read Obituary
Every summer growing up, I looked forward to the time I spent in Phoenix with my grandparents. Days by the pool and picking fruit from their orange tree will always remind me of their home. I remember my grandmother, Dorothy, watching patiently as we kids performed the same pool tricks over and over again. By the end of the summer, I was definitely the most tanned of all her grandchildren. It was also very special to me that she always called me by my full name.
~Cheylynne Shingoitewa (granddaughter)
My grandmother, Dorothy, showed unconditional love and kindness to my mother—a child she did not give birth to, but one she accepted into her heart as her own.
Now that I am a mother myself, I can see how my grandmother’s influence shaped the atmosphere of my mother’s home. This explains why visiting my grandparents home always felt so familiar; my own childhood home carried that same motherly influence.
The ability to make a house feel like a home is a generational gift that began with Dorothy. She possessed the heart of a servant, creating a loving space for her family to the best of her ability. I saw this firsthand in her home and in the one where I grew up. It is now my own desire to emulate that environment—a place of love and belonging that I have always cherished.
I pray that I can be a mother and a faithful servant to my family and others, just as she taught me to be.
~Cheylynne Shingoitewa (granddaughter)
Aunt Dorthy was a gifted seamstress. She was meticulous with her attention to detail. She stepped in with support when my Mother (her younger sister, Mary) died, helping me to craft her eulogy. I will miss her immensely but know she's sharing stories and laughing loudly with my Mom as they did here on earth.
No, not a memory, we shared a lifetime of them. Dorthy came into my life when I was just 20 years old and never left. Time and distance may have separated us over the years but our friendship is eternal. Shortly I will have the opportunity to be with my dear friend again.
One of Dorthy’s gifts to me was her steadfastness in the gospel. Because of her devotion I know she is one of the reasons my testimony is stronger today.
I love Dorthy and her special family.
A big hug, Donna
Dorthy blessed so many people in her life, especially me!! She put so much love and effort into her Christmas around the world, where we learned of other cultures and their traditions at Christmas and tasted their food. She always had a craft for the kiddos to do too. Sweet memories! Another favorite memory was the Willis reunion at Disneyland. So much fun!!! Thank you, sweet angel, for making a difference in this world and the lives you touched. You are missed. Love, Linda
Dorthy blessed so many people in her life, especially me!! She put so much love and effort into her Christmas around the world, where we learned of other cultures and their traditions at Christmas and tasted their food. She always had a craft for the kiddos to do too. Sweet memories! Another favorite memory was the Willis reunion at Disneyland. So much fun!!! Thank you, sweet angel, for making a difference in this world and the lives you touched. You are missed. Love, Linda
