Obituary of Dorothy Roena Strickland

Dorothy R. Strickland

1924 - 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dottie on August 5, 2023, at the age of 98.

Born in East Portal, Colorado in 1924, the family later moved to Nederland, Colorado, and eventually to Boulder, Colorado where she graduated high school. She attended the University of Colorado and later took a role with the Department of the Interior War Relocation Authority in Hunt, Idaho at an internment camp.

In 1952 she applied to the US Foreign Service and was awarded a 2-year contract with the US Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jim and the two exchanged vows in the romantic city of Rome, Italy in 1954. 3 years later their son was born.

They retired in 1981, moved back to the States, and settled in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2002, she moved to Gilbert, Arizona, and has lived next door to her son and daughter-in-law ever since.

Attempting to encapsulate Dottie’s monumental life in mere paragraphs is a difficult task. Her authenticity made her an instant friend to many. She radiated confidence and was comfortable in her own skin. She was never judgmental and accepted everyone as they were.

Her zest for life was unparalleled. From humble beginnings, she cultivated a passion for travel. Her insatiable curiosity not only lay in the landscapes she traversed but also in immersing herself in the cultures and experiences they offered. She was a lifelong learner.

Her legacy is not just in her accomplishments, but in the compassion she showed, the many charities she supported, and the love she shared. Those who knew Dottie would concur: she was a beacon of acceptance and kindness.

She is survived by her son Jim (Rogene), granddaughters; Tabitha (Cody) and Jenny (Zach), great-granddaughter Sloane, stepdaughter Wanda (Bill), stepgrandsons; Bill Jr (Leigh Ann) and Scott.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Louise, sister Helen, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As we bid farewell, we hold onto the myriad of stories that space constraints prevent us from recounting here, but that will forever echo in our hearts. We remember Dottie as an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Rest in peace, Dottie. Your life of adventure, curiosity, and self-assurance will continue to inspire all of us.

No funeral or memorial service will be held.

Because of Dottie’s generous nature and the special bond she shared with her great-granddaughter donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?dedication=1&sc_icid=impactgiving-memorial-bttn

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