Dorothy Wilder Utter

Dorothy Utter, age 77, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024.

Born on November 14, 1946, Dorothy is survived by her husband, Bill; her children, Rick and Kathy and their families; and her sisters Barbara and Janet and their families.  

Dorothy graduated from Orange High School, and then later from UC Irvine with a degree in Spanish.  She later received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education  She taught elementary school in the Buena Park School District for well over 40 years, and even after retirement continued to return at least twice a week to teach writing and music as a volunteer.  Dorothy was a dedicated and highly regarded teacher who inspired thousands of students, and continues to do so through the teachers she mentored and the curriculum she wrote.

Dorothy’s teaching wasn’t just in the public school system but in her church as well.  A dedicated follower of Christ, Dorothy taught Sunday School and volunteered for years.  She enjoyed being the “worker bee,” working behind the scenes to make programs happen and support the church she so loved.  She served on countless committees that worked on education, the creation of a new preschool, and the Wayfarers Camp program.

Dorothy’s family and friends will miss her humor and joy every day.  She never forgot a birthday, and took great pleasure in decorating her house for holidays, especially Christmas.  Her service for others and love for her family will live on through the lives that she touched.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Orange.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Friendly Center of Orange or to any local school.  

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