Dorothy Anderson

Having been cared for continuously by Spencer and Jessica Anderson and often visited by her posterity, Dorothy Margene Omer Anderson passed peacefully from this life to the next in the early morning hours of September 24, 2023, at her residence in Eagle Mountain, Utah, holding the hand of her daughter, Debbie, after several years of health challenges.

Dorothy was born on December 14, 1935, in Murray, Utah to August Gideon Omer and Ellen Leona Sutherland Omer. She spent about 60 years of her life in Holladay and later lived in Draper, Sandy, West Jordan, and Eagle Mountain. She attended Granite High School and was part of the first graduating class of Olympus High School in 1954. Later, she graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Elementary Education. She married her sweetheart, Bruce Barton Anderson, on May 2, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised seven children in Holladay and had 34 grandchildren, as well as 26 great-grandchildren. Bruce passed away in 2011.

Dorothy and her siblings grew up in a home where they developed a deep appreciation for all things musical. At the age of 10, Dorothy had already become proficient in playing the piano, cello, and organ. Her exceptional piano skills, fueled by her passion for classical music, ultimately led her to cross paths with her beloved Bruce. Both shared a mutual love for the symphony and especially piano music. Even though she pursued a major in elementary education at the University of Utah, Dorothy continued to dedicate herself to the piano, incorporating it into her regular class schedule each quarter, showcasing her talent by performing a solo senior recital.

Dorothy's unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and His Gospel shone through her dedicated service. As a young girl, alongside her sister Jo, she played the organ for Sunday School. Throughout her life, Dorothy was consistently sought after to serve as an accompanist, contributing her talents as both an organist and pianist in the church. She also served as a Primary Teacher, Compassionate Service Leader, ward Young Women’s Sports Director and as a dedicated Visiting Teacher. Additionally, she extended her love and service to fellow ward members and friends.

She was a cellist and played with her sisters and sister-in-law, who accompanied them in a string trio on various occasions all over the Salt Lake Valley. Her children each learned one or more instruments and she taught piano for many years to her grandchildren and neighbors. Dorothy leaves a musical legacy matched by few.

Dorothy was a good swimmer and, in her youth, worked as a lifeguard at the Holladay City pool. Later, she was a member of the Aqua Maids water ballet team at the University of Utah. During her college years, she spent her summers working at Zion National Park. Because of that, she developed an affinity for that park.

The greatest accomplishment of Dorothy’s life was raising a family of seven children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As musically talented as Dorothy was, she decided to focus all her efforts on being a wife and mother. And she was an incredible one at that. She had a knack for seemingly being everywhere at once, constantly transporting children to and from school, music lessons, ball games and church or scouting activities. She had a soft, calm, loving, and confident demeanor that helped her children feel special and loved. Her patience seemed limitless, and she was rarely known to raise her voice.

She used her intellect and talents to help each of her children when they needed it, whether it was schoolwork, practicing an instrument, or a sport, she was there and could do it all. You could say she essentially earned the equivalent of several high school diplomas, Eagle Scout Awards, and Young Women’s Medallions with all she did to help her seven children.

When her grandchildren arrived, Dorothy showered them with the same love and care that she had given her own children. She was the type of grandmother who got down on the floor to play with everyone. She played countless games of Uno, Bingo, and Scrabble and somehow never won. A sleepover at Grandma’s was a special treat, full of homemade pizza, games and favorite desserts.

From 1995 to 1996, Bruce and Dorothy served in the mission office of the Florida Tampa Mission. She was responsible for coordinating referrals and taught organ lessons to aspiring ward organists. Later, they served together for several years as temple workers in the baptistry of the Jordan River Temple.

Dorothy’s heart was pure and she would always look for the good in everyone, defending anyone attacked with unkind words. Bruce used to call her the Public Defender or the Defender in Chief. Bottom line: she made everyone around her better.

Dorothy is survived by her children David (Kari), Debbie (Richard) Rupp, Joanne (John) Andrus, Sharon (Jay) Gallacher, Bonnie (Trent) Postma, Dan (Carrie), Spencer (Jessica); 32 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one sister Josephine Burton. She was preceded in death by her husband Bruce, parents, grandchildren Kellan Anderson and Magnolia Anderson, as well as her siblings Kenneth, Marion, Stanley, Wayne, Wendell, John Omer, and Pauline Childs.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Spencer and Jessica Anderson, with whom she lived for nearly the past ten years and who cared for her tirelessly with great love and kindness! Additionally, the family thanks Melanie, Megan, and Thor from Symbii Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Cedar Pass Stake Center, 8273 Simpson Springs Road, Eagle Mountain, UT 84005. Viewings will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095, and Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the stake center. Interment at the Holladay Memorial Park.