July 12, 2021
1932-2021 ~ Horton (née Rye), Dorothy Viva, 88, of Sherwood Park, Alberta passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2021, with her four boys surrounding her with love.
Dorothy was born in Harvey, Illinois in 1932 to Freeman and Viva Rye. She moved with her family five years later to Ontario where she developed an amazing work ethic and took on her first job at 11 years of age in an ice cream factory.
She received a degree in nursing from the Wellesley School of Nursing in Toronto and went on to be a stewardess at Trans Canada Airlines. While studying, she met the love of her life and best friend, William "Bill" Horton. They would marry in 1954.
Dorothy and Bill moved west to Alberta in 1955 and lived in Calgary, Camrose and Edmonton. In 1958, Dorothy and Bill moved to Sherwood Park where they raised their four sons and made many lifelong friends.
Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother as well as an active member of the community. She was president of the Oil Wives Association, the Sherwood Park Nurses Association as well as a Board member of the University of Alberta Hospital, Alberta Heritage Medical Research Foundation and the Canadian Mental Health Association. She was a proud member of the Maple Wings Association.
She also volunteered for many organizations including as a driver for patients to the Cross Cancer Institute. Dorothy worked for Elections Canada as a Chief Returning Officer for several elections. She was elected to the Strathcona County School Board in 1979, then was elected for two terms as a Councillor for Strathcona County and served until 1986.
Dorothy devoted her time to raising her sons, encouraging their love of music, and taking them to many hockey practices, games, and tournaments. In 1984, she and Bill bought their beloved property on Lake Okanagan, B.C. where they retired in 1997 and enjoyed time golfing, sailing, playing bridge and making many new friends. Her most precious time there was spent with their children and grandchildren. She and Bill returned to Sherwood Park in 2016.
Dorothy will be greatly missed by her children, Bill (Rachelle), Bob (debb), Doug (Aileen) and Ron (Nancy); grandchildren, Charlotte, Russell, Elizabeth, William, Michael, Ryland (Daniel), Rheid (Kent) and Kielan (Calvin); one great-grandchild, Carsen; brother Al (Joyce), sister Delores and sister-in-law Irene; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Dorothy was predeceased by Bill, her loving husband of 63 years; her parents Freeman and Viva; her brother William and brother-in-law Don.
A Celebration of Dorothy's life will be scheduled in the Fall.
A special thanks to the extraordinary care team who looked after her in her final days at the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital.
Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army or to a charity of your choice.