Our Dearest Friend, Our Mother.
How does one even begin to pay tribute to the most kind-hearted, selfless individual to grace this world? Words cannot begin to express the honor this woman deserves.
In the small western town of Cardston, Alberta, Canada, Zoe Jeanette Spencer, daughter of Victor and Alta Stoddard Spencer, was born on October 17th, 1924.
She met Dad, Lloyd Rulon "Bud" Dowdle, 78 years ago when he asked her to the scout dance. He called her his "Sparrow" and they've been sweethearts ever since. She worked at a bank while patiently waiting for his return from Europe following WWII and they were married in the Cardston temple. Their first two girls were born in Canada before moving to Salt Lake City in 1950 where they completed their family with two more girls and finally a long awaited son. The five of us are; Vickie (Brent Parrish), Leslie (Lee Teerlink), Jackie (Lynn Marsing), Gerrie (Dave Martin), and Spencer (Sheli).
Some of her many talents included sewing beautiful clothes for her girls, handmade gifts for every occasion, cooking incredible meals with often sparse ingredients which were regularly shared with those in need, and a life of church service to name a few. Never being idle, she always had a project to work on. These ‘tangible' talents paled in her ability to shine. She brightened every life she touched. If ever there was an example of unconditional love and forgiveness it was our Mommy. She did her best to teach us to find the best in every situation and in everyone we met, never a negative comment towards others. We often failed. There was no boundary to her generosity and willingness to serve others. We teased her mercilessly and she always laughed the hardest, once she got the joke.
Mom left us on November 11, 2015 to reunite with Bud who has been waiting four long months for her to join him. She is survived by her children, eleven grandchildren, twenty-five great grands, and her sister DaNaze Steele.
A memorial service to honor our Mother will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at The Garden Place in This Is The Place Heritage Park located at 2601 East Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30.
With all our love and deepest respect, thank you Mom, for our lives and your lessons.
