Kay Dotson, 100, died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 29.
She was born the youngest of nine children, in Billings, Mont. Her family moved to the Portland, Oregon area when she was 12. She attended Oregon schools and received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Oregon in Eugene.
In 1945 she began a 30-year teaching career at Oakdale High School, where she taught typing, shorthand, and business subjects until she retired in 1975.
Mrs. Dotson was a charter member of AAUW and a member of Modesto Covenant Church. After retirement, she remained in Oakdale and stayed active by pursuing her family history, traveling to England several times to care for an elderly aunt, touring the Holy Lands, and adopting any stray cat that happened by. She remained active in her church until she could no longer drive.
She lived a long, full life and was active right up to the end. She was a “force of nature.” She pursued her interests with a passion and her “never give up” attitude undoubtedly contributed to her longevity. She was a single parent in an era that had little support for single parents, yet she provided for her children in every way possible. She loved her family and was an example of Christian faith and perseverance. She will be missed.
The family appreciates Karen Anderson, who visited Mrs. Dotson every week for many years.
She is survived by her daughters, Jeanne (Eric) Viss, Joanne (Lynn) Jackson; stepchildren, Ken Dotson, Judy (Ed) St. Amour; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Remembrances may be made in her memory to Modesto Covenant Church; or to the SPCA.