Dorothy Bennion Potter

On September 28, 2011 Dorothy Bennion Potter passed away in Provo, Utah after a short illness. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Angus Pehrson and Nettie Emily Bjork Bennion on March 04, 1923. Dorothy was mostly raised in Vernon, Utah, with some high school time in Southern California. She attended Brigham Young University (first editor of the "Y Magazine" when she was a freshman), then Utah State University, where she met her sweetheart Arlin Roberts Potter. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 18, 1946, recently celebrating 65 years of marriage. Dorothy's employment included working for the war effort during World War II, serving as a secretary to Church leaders, and working as a home care assistant. Dorothy and Arlin homesteaded in Utah, prior to Arlin's leaving ranching and farming for the health of his family. Their first four children were born in Idaho and Utah. They moved to the Santa Clara Valley of California in 1955, where their fifth child was born. They raised their family in Los Gatos and San Jose, California, then moved to Dorothy's old family home in Holladay, Utah in 1971. Dorothy was well-known for her humor, her delightfully inventive cooking, setting a beautiful table, her poetry, piano playing, and love of genealogy, music, gardening, sewing and quilting. For her children, she turned setbacks into parties, creating good memories rather than disappointments. She was a hiker, camper, back-packer and true pioneer. Dorothy loved surprises: Arlin's impromptu wildflower bouquets, giving gifts of food and love, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. She treasured children, and thought only the best of people, giving them the benefit of the doubt. She served in many Church positions, including the Stake Primary Presidency in Holladay. Dorothy was well-known in the local church and community, and in local politics in Holladay. She was also known throughout her family as one who enjoyed helping people, making them feel wanted and welcome. She served with her husband as city, county and state Republican representative for many years, and was still active in local politics in old age. Dorothy was much beloved and will be sorely missed. Pre-deceased by daughters Karen (Tom) Schumann, Jane (Peter, div.) Jenkins, and brother David (Frances) Bennion. Survived by daughters Gwenna (Clyde, div.) Gowers aka Gwyneth McNeil, Jolene (David) Clawson, son Kent B. (Nancy) Potter, sister Joyce (Richard, deceased) Peaden, Frank (Alyce) Bennion, 21 grandchildren, and 30 great grand children. Viewing to be held on Friday, October 7 at 7:00 pm, and the Memorial service/funeral will be held on Saturday October, 8, 2011 at 10:30 am, both at the Pleasant View 1st Ward Chapel (650 E Stadium Ave, Provo, UT 84604). There will also be a viewing prior to the funeral at 9:30am Oct 8th. The burial will be on Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00 am at the Veteran Memorial on Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale Utah. The family invites all of Dorothy and Arlin's friends to come and help celebrate Dorothy and her righteous life well lived.