Obituary: Aylor, Dorothy
Age 82
AYLOR,
Dorothy
Our dearly loved wife and mother, Dorothy Elizabeth “BETTY” Keebler Aylor, passed away on June 3rd, 2012.
She courageously battled cancer for 12 years, never letting it diminish her desire to serve others and celebrate life.
BETTY WAS RENAISSANCE WOMAN, SHE MADE A DIFFERENCE and she will be sadly missed.
Betty was born December 21, 1929 in Dallas, Texas.
Her parents moved the family to Pennsylvania and later to Port Orchard, Washington.
She graduated from South Kitsap High School and attended Washington State University, where she met her husband, John.
They were married on January 29, 1949.
After John’s graduation, they moved to Omaha, NE and after a few years, to Spokane, WA where John established his long standing architectural career.
Betty was a phenomenal mother to her five children.
She darned socks, mended ripped jeans, sewed Halloween and ice skating costumes, and created personalized heirloom Christmas stockings.
Her kids recall weekly, round warm loaves of homemade wheat bread made in large apple juice cans for pans, strips of hot, homemade pie dough, and her chili!
Betty would take the kids to “U pick” fruit fields for an adventure and then can jars of homemade jams, peaches, and vegetables, which in turn she would share with neighbors and friends.
All of this Betty accomplished while also being very active in her local PTA, working part time as an executive assistant, and volunteering for the Spokane Women’s Architectural League.
She later managed the Seattle edition of Travel Host magazine.
She was an active member of the Unity Church for over 50 years.
She taught Sunday school, volunteered at picnics and potluck dinners, supported members with her loving, caring nature, and was involved with the church leadership as it grew into its current location.
Most recently, she was loved for the wonderful soups and dishes she would create from scratch for Wednesday night dinners.
Betty was a NURTURER and CAREGIVER.
She often checked on neighbors while managing her role as a mother of five and a housewife.
She made regular trips to Wenatchee to care for, and support her aging parents.
She became an advocate, caregiver and companion for her friend Alice in her final days.
Betty’s heart was SO BIG!
Betty had many interests.
She loved classical music, jazz, gardening, bridge, and the pictorial arts.
She was a longtime Spokane Symphony season ticket holder and was an active supporter of local artists.
Her kids recall that she would wake them for church on Sunday mornings by loudly playing “76 Trombones” from the Music Man.
Betty was also very active in the Spokane Figure Skating Club and loved to watch ice skating and hear the music.
She earned the credentials to judge beginning competitions and sewed beautiful costumes for her daughter and other skaters.
Betty is survived by her husband John H. Aylor, and children Terry Aylor, John J. Aylor (Peggy), Scott Aylor, Jan (Jon Paul) Thomasseau, Carol Aylor Jackson; grandchildren Haley and Lindsey Jackson, Carrie Schafer; great-grandchildren, Isaac and Gabriel Aylor, and Evan Schafer.
She will also be dearly missed by siblings Joan Johnson, Lynn Dickinson, Sister Alberta Marie Keebler, Joseph Keebler (Rose Marie), Elva Moore; sisters-in-law Ann Carol Keebler, Joy Keebler and many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers John W. Keebler and Charles I. Keebler.
We miss you already, Betty Mom!
!
Please join family and friends to celebrate Betty’s loving spirit on Saturday, July 14th, 2pm at Unity Church, 2900 South Bernard, Spokane, WA 99203.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Betty’s name to Hospice of Spokane, P.O.
Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210 or http://www.hopiceofspokane.org.