Dorothy Jahvies Webster

Dorothy Jahries Webster "You Made Our Hearts Sing" Isobel Dorothy Jahries, 85, "The world's greatest lover of all living things" passed away in her yard on July 6th 2010 - a perfect summer morning. She was born in Los Angeles, California on November 17, 1924 to Walter Clarence and Esther Schier Jahries. Dorothy spent her early years living in California, Utah and later in Hawaii where she met her "perfect" husband Bob Webster during World War II as he served in the U.S. Army there. She graduated from Punahou High School and the University of Hawaii before leaving Hawaii to pursue graduate studies in New York City at Columbia University (honestly mostly to pursue Bob). After a short period of graduate studies and teaching in New York, Dorothy and Bob were married and settled in Salt Lake City where they raised their two sons. Here she created a vast loving community of family, friends and network of relationships. Hundreds have claimed her as "Grandma Dot" and she graciously returned the love to all. Dorothy became one of the world authorities in recognizing and overcoming early childhood learning disabilities through many years of graduate studies at the University of Utah and nearly four decades of hands-on experience in kindergarten classrooms. She literally touched and improved thousands of lives over several generations of kindergarten students with her expert caring and generous love. After retiring from teaching she continued her service to the community through over 7,000 hours of volunteer work at the University of Utah Hospital. Dorothy is survived by her two sons Robert W. (Susan), William R. (Kathryn); her brothers Richard Jahries (Grace) and Conrad Jahries; her two grandchildren Sam and Sally Webster; and a large extended family including her beloved nieces, nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents and her sister Elizabeth Jahries Allman. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Evans and Early Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family may call on Friday, July 9th from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday for one hour prior to services. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association Special thank you to Julie Byland, a former kindergarten student, for the loving care and friendship she extended to Dorothy over the past year.