Dottie Jenkins

Dottie Jenkins passed away on Dec. 7, 2012, in Draper, Utah, at the age of 93. She had been living in a nursing home for the past seven years after having a paralyzing stoke. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Feb. 6, 1919, to Brigham and Mae Nielson. She was the youngest of five children: one older brother, Wen, and three sisters, Birdalee, Gene and Lucille. She moved to California when she was two years old and lived there until 2005.

Dottie worked for the Navy as a secretary in World War II. She met the love of her life on a blind date. His name was William Fredrick Jenkins and everyone called him Fred. They were married in the home of her oldest sister, Birdalee, in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 22, 1941. In 1978 Fred and Dottie moved to Cameron Park, Calif., where she lived for more than 25 years. In 1989 Fred passed away from cancer. During the years that followed she welcomed many of her grandchildren and friends that needed help to come and live with her.

Dottie always had determination and courage. She had both of her knees replaced and while she was on her own she rode her stationary bike at least 10 miles everyday to keep in shape. She was a friend to everyone. She was the kind of person that many people came to talk with, share their problems and feel her love. She never forgot a birthday and every time you visited her it was a party with flowers and treats at the table. She loved bright colors and beautiful things — especially the blooming flowers in her garden.

Dottie is survived by her two daughters, Kristin Sweetman and Shan Neider; her six grandchildren, Ryan Neider, Mary Kool, John Distelhorst, Sara Cluff, Anne Nelson and Todd Neider; and her nine great-grandchildren. The interment will be at Union Cemetery in Placerville, Calif.