Dorothy passed away September 18, 1997 in Salt Lake City.
Dorothy Jacobs Buchanan, age 91, beloved teacher, writer and community leader, died peacefully at home in Salt Lake City, on September 18, 1997 after enduring many months of pain and suffering due to myasthenia gravis and Parkinsons Disease. She was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada on October 27, 1905, to Alberta Larsen and Henry Chariton Jacobs Jr. She was given the name, Dorothy, meaning "Gift from God." Aptly christened, she has lived up to that name, bringing Gods gifts of learning, joy, love and compassion to all those whose lives she touched. She grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, savoring the beauty of the mountains and the choice people who nurtured her mind and soul. She received her B.A. in English from BYU, where she won the coveted Elsie C. Carroll Award for short stories. Dorothy began her teaching career at Richfield High School, where she taught English and journalism and began her love affair with the red hills, the people and the history of the area. She married Robert Dell Buchanan on February 28, 1930 in the Manti LDS Temple. A unique combination the farmer who loved the land and the lady, who loved to teach. Theirs was a union of love and mutual support. He died on July 7, 1979. Dorothy returned to teaching during World War II. She also found time to write. She is a published poet, one of two persons whose poetry is published in all seven volumes of UTAH SINGS. Her articles have appeared in THE UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY, SAGA OF THE SANPITCH, and other publications. She organized the Richfield chapter of the League of Utah Writers. She wrote the first history of Richfield and contributed to GOLDEN SHEAVES FROM A RICH FIELD, a 1964 centennial history of Richfield. She served on the Richfield Public Library Board for 27 years; was responsible for the selection of all books purchased for the library during that time. Throughout her 65 years in Richfield, she was active in the Richfield Study Club, DUP Camp Cove and other organizations. She was a member of the BYU Emeriti Board. An active member of the LDS Church, she served in all the auxiliaries. She and her husband were ordinance workers at the Manti Temple.
She was adored by her two daughters, who survive her, Dorothy Kay (Mrs. J. Thomas) Greene and Marianne Buchanan, both of Salt Lake City; six grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Dr. Briant S. (Barbara) Jacobs of Provo; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her parents; brothers, James L. Jacobs and Chariton Jacobs, precede her in death.Friends may call to visit with the family, Monday, September 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, at 1 p.m. in the Neal S. Magleby & Sons Mortuary Chapel, 50 S. 100 W., Richfield, where friends may call prior to services Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery.
During her illness, Dorothy was helped by more kind doctors, nurses, aides, relatives and friends, than we can possibly name. She loved and appreciated all those who so sweetly attended her. Her family is also deeply appreciative.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that donations be made in Dorothy's name to the Richfield Public Library, 83 East Center, Richfield, Utah 84701.
