DODT, Willena (Willie)—Passed away January 20, 2021, at the age of 98. Willie was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 8, 1922. She graduated from Kenilworth Elementary School and Phoenix Union High School. During high school, Willie, her sister Marian and good friend Ila Mae, as The Three Notes, sang on a weekly radio show hosted by Howard Pyle, who later became Governor of Arizona. Willie married Charles E. Dodt, her high school sweetheart, and they raised 9 children. After 45 years of marriage, Charles died from complications of Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome. Willie sang in the St. Agnes Catholic Church choir and volunteered at her church and the diocese. She practiced yoga, enjoyed bowling, did some professional dressmaking, took up aerobics, attended weekly lunch meetings of the “stitch and bitch” group from Gerard High School and traveled with her sister Marian. After 11 years of widowhood, she met Robert J. Muller, who was the love of her mature years. They traveled and enjoyed being with the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Willie was a whiz at Scrabble, honing her skills in weekly matches with Bob and sister Marian. Many of her grandchildren delighted in taking her on in a match of Scrabble to see if they could beat her. Recently, a note was found that Willie wrote, dated 8-28-95, to her children: “I want you all to know I think you are really good people, and I don’t know how I was so lucky to have you. I really don’t know that I deserved such neat children.”
Willie is survived by her children: Willena Conley, Charles (Karen), Loren (Michael), Charlene Nelson (Bill), David, Mike (Nancy), Cynthia Stephens, Dennis (Beth) and Steve (Wendy); 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 7 great great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Betty Dodt and Bernadette Sephton; and an extended family (Sandy Dodt, Margie Dodt, Pam Dodt, Rebecca Joy, Cara Ganter and David Stephens)—not to forget Jim Bierschbach, Music Director at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
The family wants to thank Hospice of the Valley, Dr. Matthew Skinner, Angie Lopez, and especially Delilah Reyes of Sinai Assisted Living for her thoughtful, vigilant care of our mother for 5 years.
Services will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N 24th Street, Phoenix, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 with Visitation @ 9:00 A.M.; Rosary @ 9:30 A.M.; Mass @ 10:00 A.M. Masks and social distancing required. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Andrea Angulo Gutierrez
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Matriarch. May she rest in peace.
Michaelle Hennessey Peirce
So sorry for your loss. Praying God gift each of you with His love and peace during this time of grief. I truly believe she was placed in the arms of who said to her, “Welcome home my child. A job well done “. May she rest in God’s loving arms. Amen
Mark D Sanchez
I attended Gerard High School, a year behind David. I’m so sorry for your family loss. I know Willena is in God’s loving embrace. I join the entire Gerard community in wishing peace and God’s blessings to your family.
-Mark Sanchez
1969
Denise Angulo LaFave
So sorry to hear this sad news. What a long beautiful life she had with so much love! I remember her well. My condolences to the entire family.
Cara Ganter
Willie was a very special woman. She was warm & funny & loving. Even long after I ceased being her daughter-in-law, she welcomed me at family parties at her home. Based on hair color my children dubbed her ‘white grandma,’ while my mother was their ‘red grandma.’ I am sad to learn of her passing. My heart goes out to her family.
Diane D Conners
Dear Dennis and Family, So very sorry to learn of your loss. I don’t believe I ever had the pleasure to meet your Mother, but she sounds like an amazing woman. May your memories of a life well lived carry you through this difficult time. Sending you all Peace and Prayers. Diane Conners
Chet Myers
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers offered..
Condolences to the Dodt and friends family.
Chet Myers
Nicki Phillips Coker
Prayers to the wonderful Dodt family. I remember Mrs. Dodt singing at St. Agnes masses all through grade school. She was a stunning woman. David, Mike and Nancy you are in my thoughts. God bless your family.
St. Agnes and Gerard class 1970
Julie Angulo
Very sorry for your loss. Our condolences and prayers to the entire family♥️
Duane and Julie Angulo
Brian G Walker
The end of a long life we’ll lived….To the Dodt family my deepest condolences. Wow. How many memories, how much history….
Nick Peterson
David and Mickie,
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great lady.
Hope all of you are doing well.
Nick
Mary Jo Morris Hennessey
So sorry for you loss.
Nicolette M Frame
Our sincere condolences to the entire Dodt family, especially my friend Loren. Mrs. Dodt was truly one of the most lovely ladies I have ever known. She was always kind and gracious to me when I was a child. She gave so much to St. Agnes and the church.
With our sympathy,
Nikki & Fred Frame
Monica Shelley
So very sorry for your loss. She was always very kind, and sweet to me & my family.
John Dacey
Our condolences to Dave, Mike, Nancy and the entire Dodt family.
Julie Ferrell and John Dacey
Maureen Parker
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom, Mike and Nancy. Thinking of you and praying for healing for your whole extened family.
Maureen and Bill Parker