Dorothy Shaw Sawtelle

Dorothy Shaw Sawtelle returned to her Heavenly Father on February 10, 2012 after 81 years of a beautiful life. She was born in San Jose, California in 1930 to Earl and Helen Shaw, the youngest of 4 children. She lived her young life on a farm. Her family moved to Southern California in 1939 and she grew up a “California Girl”. She attended Pomona College where she met her husband Thomas Sawtelle. They were married after graduating and settled in Canoga Park, California where their children Nancy, Sarah and Kemp were born. The family moved to Reno, Nevada in 1974 where for 22 years she served in many church callings including Ward Relief Society President (twice), Gospel Doctrine Teacher and in the Stake Relief Society Presidency. After their children were married Dorothy and Tom moved to Phoenix in 1996 as empty nesters. She and Tom were called as ordinance workers in the Mesa Temple, where she served for 11 years. She loved working on her Family History and was an avid backyard gardener. She contracted Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion in 1971, yet lived a full and happy life for 40 years, a medical miracle. She is survived by her husband Tom, children Nancy (Troy) Ostler, Vernal, Utah, Kemp (Kristy) Sawtelle, Phoenix Arizona, 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and sister Janis Wiemels. Preceded in death by daughter Sarah, her parents and brothers Earl and John. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:30 am Monday, February 13, 2012 at the LDS Church 2939 W. Rose Garden Lane, burial to follow at Phoenix Memorial Park. Please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com to leave online condolences for the family.