Dortha Rasband

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving will always be a special day for us. Three years ago on that Tuesday our father left mortality and this past Tuesday our dear mother joined him in the eternities. While the pain of not being with them is immense, there is joy in thinking of the two of them reunited again.

Dortha (Dot) Nelson Rasband was born on July 17, 1913 in Heber City, Utah to Jesse Richmond and Emma Sonderegger Nelson. She was the third of seven children – five sisters and a brother. Dot came from stubborn and determined ancestors and she exhibited these characteristics through the end of her life. She recalled many times her Grandma Sonderegger patting her fondly on the head as a little girl after she threw rocks at the neighbors. Dot was a loving woman, but she was tough as well. She was determined to leave this life only when she was ready on November 30, 2010.

Dot met her eternal sweetheart Irving (Irv) Kenneth Rasband in Heber City. They were married on September 21, 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple. The two of them were married 73 years when Irv passed away. Dot and Irv were the loving parents of six children – five sons and a daughter. Dot’s children, grandchildren and family were the joy of her life. She was always willing to play game after game after game with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never tired of having them around.

Dot and Irv loved to travel and after Irv retired the two of them saw the world in the next 25 years. Their adventures took them from Europe to Israel to Asia. Each year took them somewhere they had not been before. As Irv’s health declined and their travels stopped, Dot was a loving caregiver to Irv in the last years of their life together.

Dot was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints throughout her life. She was a member of the Highland Park Ward in Sugarhouse for over 60 years and served in many callings there.

Dot is survived by four sons, J Kent, Phil (Jean), Bruce (Shelia) and Paul (Edith); her loving daughter Karen (Dennis); her sister Dezzie; her sister-in-law Verdawn Leahy Nelson; her brother-in-law Mark Emmett Rasband; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dot was preceded in death by her husband Irv, son Dee and five of her siblings.

Memorial services will be held Saturday December 4, 2010 at 11:00am in the Highland Park Chapel located at 2535 South Douglas Street, Salt Lake City. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the memorial service.