Dorothy M. Oliver

Dorothy (Dottie) Oliver, a woman of great compassion and grace and who loved her family, friends and life, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, humor and memories that will live on through all who knew her.

Dottie was born June 3, 1943 in Seattle, Washington, to Laurance and Mildred Manning. She had two siblings, older sister, Marlys, and younger brother, Rod. In 1951 the family moved to Long Island, New York and later to Cleveland, Ohio. Dottie attended Westminster College in Pennsylvania. Wherever she went, Dottie made life-long friends and kept in touch with them through the years with frequent reunions.

After college, while working in New York, Dottie met the love of her life, Danny Oliver. They were married and in 1968 were blessed with a daughter, Dionne. Soon after, tragedy struck and Dottie became a widowed mother at a very young age. Her strength, strong faith, and her love for her daughter helped her through the difficult years that followed.

Eventually, Dottie went to work for General Computers in Cleveland. She was gifted in math and reasoning and was skilled in the new technologies that were developing at that time. She worked for the company for many years and eventually became a vice-president. During this period she also entered the Stephen Ministry program through her church. Her work in providing comfort to those in need was deeply meaningful to her.

In 2004 Dottie moved to Sedona, Arizona. She worked for the Sedona Fire District as a Benefits Coordinator and eventually was responsible for the entire HR department. Dottie immersed herself in Sedona life and made many close friends. She was active in the Church of the Red Rocks and served the congregation as Moderator for two years.

Dottie moved to Royal Oaks Lifecare Community in 2019 where she thrived. There were so many activities and Dottie did it all, from co-ed water volleyball to Mah Jongg! Dottie assumed many leadership and volunteer roles, dedicated to giving back to the community that supported her. Dottie volunteered in the library, the Friendship House and was chairperson of the Employee Appreciation Fund Committee. She was often the first to volunteer when a special need arose.

Beyond her volunteer work, Dottie was active in building community at any opportunity. She made sure she knew everyone’s name and greeted newcomers as they arrived at Royal Oaks. She would often print out and share jokes she found amusing and her door became the go-to spot for daily humor. Dottie loved to entertain, play games, eat, drink and be merry. She brought laughter and fun to any occasion. At the same time she was a compassionate friend, always a comfort in times of need.

Dottie’s enthusiasm for life was contagious. She was curious and interested in all things, places, people, health, travel, culinary adventures. Her travels took her to many corners of the world. Everywhere she went, she was well equipped with information through her ongoing research to find the best restaurants, lodging and unique experiences.

Dottie loved her family and they were always uppermost in her mind. She was generous and supportive to her daughter and grandchildren and kept in touch with her siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends and family alike will always cherish the happy memories of spending time with Dottie. Her loving presence will be missed by all who knew her.

Dottie is survived by her sister, Marlys (Bill) Renner of Springfield, Virginia; her brother, Rodney (Kathy) Manning of Cooper City, Florida; her daughter, Dionne Mathew of Hawaii; and four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Dillon Mathew-Gilmore of Phoenix, Arizona; Alexis and Israel Hunt of Lumberton, North Carolina; Dani Brooks-Mathew of Salida, Colorado and Logan Mathew of Salida, Colorado. Her great-grandchildren are Jaylenn Mathew-Kitchens, Octavia Mathew-Kitchens, and Eloise Hunt of Lumberton, North Carolina.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service for Dottie on Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City. There will be a reception following the memorial service. Attendees are invited to wear light purple or turquoise in honor of Dottie’s favorite colors.