Dorothy Elaine Woods Vadala Barta, 95, of Dallas TX passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020. Her burial will take place at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas TX and her memorial will soon follow. Dorothy was born in Toledo, OH to Ira A. Woods and Gladys J. Woods on June 23, 1924. She married Clarence E. Vadala Jr. (Gene) in 1944 with whom she had 7 children. Subsequent to Gene’s death, she married Rudolph J. Barta (Rudy) in 1962 who had 2 children and with whom she had 2 children.
She graduated in June 1941 from North Dallas High School. She began her career as a photo colorist and then attended Art Students League (NY) and Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. She was co-founder of Artisan’s Studio-Gallery which featured Barta Originals of portraits and figurative art. She founded The Pastel Society of the Southwest, was co-founder of Art Focus XC and was a member of both the Southwest Watercolor Society and the Pastel Society of America. Dorothy referred to her art as her “habit.” In 1996 she was commissioned by University of North Texas to paint a posthumous portrait of Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes. She achieved numerous artistic awards throughout her career which spanned 25 years, culminating in becoming a Certified Master Gardener and published author. In 2000 she won the title of National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc.
Dorothy is proceeded in death by both her husband’s Gene and Rudy, her parents Ira and Gladys Woods and her brother Kenneth E. Woods. She is survived by her children: Chris and Carol Vadala, Larry and Pat Vadala, Rick and Donna Vadala, Randy and Tommie Barta, Rick Barta, Jeanne O’Donnell, Tom and Kim Vadala, Rob and Sheryl Vadala, June Cliff, Mike Barta, Sharon and Mitch Seemann, her brother John A. Woods and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be given to T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center of Dallas TX.
Dorothy’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Mary Hammack, Senior Helpers Greater Dallas and T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center.
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