Dorothy “Dottie” Ames Otondo passed away June 24, 2017 and is now united with her husband, Joseph of 69 years. She was born February 6, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri to Edith and Harry Ames and was one of 7 children. As a child she looked forward to her adventurous summer visits with cousins in the country. At the young age of 17, Dorothy came to Phoenix to be with her younger brother who was here for health reasons. For the next 3 years, she attended St. Joseph School of Nursing. Within a few months’ time, she graduated from nursing school, turned 21 and married her beloved husband. This began her life as a devoted wife and mother of 8, rooted in her treasured Catholic faith. Dorothy truly embraced the joys, surprises & challenges that were all part of family life. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren cherish the wisdom she shared of God, family and life, most especially through her beautiful example. Her kind, gracious & delightful spirit are deeply embedded in their hearts. Her greatest hope and prayer was that they all live and follow their Catholic faith. Dorothy’s warmth and joy was felt by all who knew her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, son Michael, parents and siblings. She is survived by her 7 children – Martha Otondo, Catherine Otondo, John Otondo, Marian Dunaway, Ann (Dan) Salcido, Susan Patterson, Patricia Otondo, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The viewing will be at Friday, June 30, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with the Rosary at 6:30 pm. and a Funeral Mass celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. A reception will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will be Monday, July 3, 2017 at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Serra Club of Arizona – Seminarian Fund, c/o Diocese of Phoenix, 400 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 85004 or First Way Pregnancy Center, 3501 N. 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Our beloved mother and Nana ~ you will be dearly missed and forever loved. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Cassie Courtois
My deepest , heart felt sympathy to our cousins the Otondo family .
Your parents were so kind & their generous spirit & loving hospitality will always be remembered. I always looked forward to your moms visits to Missouri & both parents welcomed me with open arms when I visited Phoenix. I’ll always cherish my visit & chatting with Dorothy about her journey from
St. Louis to Arizona. ..Prayers to you all , your parents were very special .
Love, Cassie & Charlie Courtois