Dorothy Zackrison Mortensen 98, born March 30, 1916 in Salt Lake City Utah, passed away peacefully December 29, 2014. She was the eldest child of John Waldemar Zackrison and Afton Randall.
Dorothy, a devoted and beloved mother, was also a scholar who inspired those who knew her with her life-long curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. She was an avid reader her entire life. After taking night classes for many years, while raising her children and working full time, she graduated from the University of Utah at the age of 51. In 1933, Dorothy graduated from Granite High School and in 1936 she married Melvin L. Summerhays. In 1963, she married A. Russell Mortensen.
Dorothy had a productive and rewarding professional life. She was Managing Editor of Publications at the Utah State Historical Society and an editor at the University of Utah Press. From 1970 ‚ 1976, she worked in Washington D.C. in the correspondence section of the White House staff and was invited to be writer/editor for the President's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Dorothy also enjoyed being a mother and homemaker and the hard work and challenges of her long life that spanned the Great Depression, two world wars, and the marvels of the technological revolution. She is survived by her daughters: Carol Jean, Joan, Irene Eastmond (Nick), Kaye, and step children: Maria Shields (Glen), Danniel R. Mortensen, (Maja) Kathryn Harmer (M. Bliss), A. David Mortensen (Marsha), Michael S. Mortensen (Jane), Elizabeth M. Haslam (Judy B. Rollins), all her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Grameo, step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Edith Bullock, Ella Jean Martin, and John R. Zackrison, granddaughter Rachel, and her husbands.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015 at 11:00am with a viewing from 9:30am ‚ 10:45am at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment also at Larkin Sunset Lawn. In lieu of flowers, Dorothy has requested people contribute to their favorite charity. For condolences, please visit www.larkincares.com.
