Helen Dorothy Dotts

Helen Dorothy Dotts was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was outgoing and action oriented and she very much liked to "take charge". She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Helen was born in Augusta, Maine, on October 7, 1924. She was the daughter of Otis and Doris (Simpson) Burnell. Helen grew up in Redondo Beach, California.

She had two siblings, a younger sister, Lea and a younger brother, Arthur (Bud). Helen was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Helen had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Redondo Beach Union High School in 1942.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Helen enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, one of her best friends was Jeri. Later in life, she became friends with Billie Bolton, along with numerous friends from Yucca Valley.

Helen's first marriage was to Les Galloway on April 4, 1942, in Yuma, Arizona. Her second marriage was to Dick Dotts on March 3, 1973, in Loveland, Colorado. Empathic and loyal, Helen was committed to making her family happy.

Helen worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Helen was blessed with four children and one step child; daughters, Sheri and Paula; sons, Jim and Don and stepson, Dick. Another blessing for Helen was the gift of 8 grandchildren, Jodie, Pam, Leslee, Jamica, Geoff, Matt, Cambria and Erin and 2 stepgrandchildren, Loren and Lindy.

Helen enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were geneology, stamp collecting, crafts and gardening. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. Helen also enjoyed bowling.

Throughout her life, Helen was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Helen was an active member of the American Heart Association, American Legion and Daughters of American Revolution.

Helen was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the Morongo Basin Historical Society, St. Mary's Catholic Church and a founding member of Sherman Gardens (Corona Del Mar) and Quail Quilters.

Helen’s faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Yucca Valley and St. James Catholic Church of Redondo Beach. During that time, she was on many various church committees.

Helen enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Ouray, Colorado, Washington D.C. and Maine.

Helen was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Two of her favorites was Tootsie, a mix breed dog and Tok, an Alaskan Huskie.

Helen's husband retired in 1979 and their new life involved relocating to Yucca Valley, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling with Drifters RV group. Even in retirement, Helen continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Helen was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Helen passed away on June 16, 2010 at her home in Beaumont, California. She is survived by her children, Sheri, Paula and Don, stepson, Dick and their families. Graveside services were held at Holy Cross Cemetery, in Culver City, California on June 22, 2010. Helen was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California.

Simply stated, Helen was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Helen leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Helen Dorothy Dotts.