Obituary of Dorothy L. Wilson

Dorothy L. Wilson, 88, of 605 Stuart Ct. in Iowa City, died Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following a short illness. A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service with Reverend Paul Akin officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow the service at the American Legion Post #17 at 3016 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville at a later date. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorothy’s memory to Elder Services RSVP Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, or the Johnson County Historical Society (Old Coralville School). Online condolences may be sent through the web @gayandciha.com. Dorothy was born June 20, 1919 in Iowa City, the daughter of Dana and Emma (Tofting) White. She married Donald L. Wilson on May 31, 1940 in Kahoka, Missouri. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her Family was the joy of her life, and she will be greatly missed by them and her many friends. Dorothy attended the old Coralville School and graduated from University High School in 1937. She later received a dental assistant degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where she received a second place trophy in a national essay contest. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. H. A. Scott for eight years and later as a technician at the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Pharmacy. She became a research librarian at the University of Iowa in 1982 where she had worked for 16 years. Dorothy’s love of the community and her years of active volunteer work resulted in her being honored as the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center’s Senior of Distinction Award in 1998. In 1999 she was named the Johnson County recipient of the “Heritage Agency’s Recognition of Service” award. She was chosen for the honor in appreciation of her excellence in service to senior citizens. She was a member of First Untied Methodist Church in Iowa City where she served on the executive board of the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Iowa City Women’s Club where she served as historian; a 59 year member of, and past president of American Legion Post #17; past president of Johnson County Legion Auxiliary; past vice-president of First District of Iowa American Legion Auxiliary; charter member and past president of Johnson County Dental Assistants; 51 year member and past Noble Grand and district deputy president of Rebekah Lodge, a fraternal organization; past chief matriarch of Ladies Encampment/Rebekah Auxiliary #5; past senior member of Women of Moose and Academy of Friendship Moose Lodge; charter member of Old Gold Theta Rho #1 of Rehekah. She was also a member of Johnson County Historical Society; member of Friends of Iowa City Public Library; Sun and Fun Campers; Dorothy served 11 years as coordinator of volunteers at the Iowa City Senior Center. She was a volunteer at the Iowa City public Library, Iowa City Community School District, Veteran’s Administration Medical center, Iowa City Visiting Nurses Association, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (Iowa City Senior Center). She was also a member of the Tri-State Bluegrass Music Association. Dorothy is survived by her son, Mark Wilson, and his wife Pamela of Iowa City and a daughter, Jill Barnitz of Santa Barbara, CA; one brother, George White of Coal Valley, IL; three grandchildren Jason Wilson of Santa Barbara, CA, Alissa Hansel and her husband Jason of Bettendorf, IA, Brandon Davis of Santa Barbara, CA; and one great-grandchild, Lillian Hansel. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jack, her husband, Donald, and two brothers Leo and Dana White. Cards of condolences can be sent to the family at 972 Tamarack Trail, Iowa City, IA 52245. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Dorothy’s family and services.