Dorothy Kay Buchanan Greene

(Dorothy) Kay Buchanan Greene, daughter of Robert Dell and Dorothy Jacobs Buchanan, died December 11, 2024. Kay was born in Richfield, Utah, on December 16, 1930, and despite being a "Depression and World War II child" she viewed her home life, childhood, and high school years as "absolutely wonderful!" She graduated from Richfield High School, where she served as student-body vice president alongside being active in various other organizations. Kay attended the University of Utah where she graduated with a B.S. Degree in elementary education. Her involvement at the "U" included memberships in Spurs, wean, and Mortar Board. She enjoyed being a member of the University Debate team and serving as President of Delta Delta Delta sorority. According to her, "My years there (1949-53) were wonderful, memorable years. We studied hard, thought the world would be a peaceful and happy forever following World War II, and we made friendships that lasted throughout our lives." She taught 3rd grade in Bellflower, CA, for one year before returning to Salt Lake to teach 3rd grade at Bonneville School for another 5 years, where she had the privilege of teaching "outstanding children." On March 31, 1955, she married John Thomas Greene, Jr., in the Salt Lake Temple. The two of them met on the debate bus during the spring quarter of their senior year on their way to a University Debate Meet at Lindfield College in Oregon. They were deeply committed to one another during their 56-years of marriage. She supported him in his involvement in his law practice, judicial duties, The Utah State Bar, and the American Bar Association. She always found joy in meeting people and becoming acquainted with cities and countries that were new to her. He supported her in her community interests, including Salt Lake Junior League, Town Club, the University of Utah Alumni, the Emeritus Boards, several community Boards, and as Clayton Junior High PTA President. It was during this time that Tom and Kay partnered with Scott and Norma Matheson to begin the "Law Related Education" teaching program, which is still being used in Salt Lake schools. Kay returned to the University of Utah and received her B.A. in Communications, graduating alongside her daughter Mary Kay in 1985. She particularly enjoyed her journalism classes and intended to write journals, etc. Unfortunately, the writing projects were never completed, much to her dismay.

She was also very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in leadership positions in the Primary and Relief Society organizations. However, her favorite calling was teaching "Out of the Great Books" Literature lessons in Relief Society. She loved to read and admittedly liked good mystery books, viewing them as a perfect way to relax and have a "mental vacation" from life's challenges. Following her husband's death she purchased a home in St. George, Utah, which not only became a "project" investment, but a place of comfort and peace. She loved her association with her friends from her youth, who had relocated to St. George, and her new friends in the Vista Del Sol community. Kay adored her children and loved their spouses, Tom Buchanan Greene (born on her birthday and married to Maria Sgambati), John Buchanan Greene (known by his mother as "Favorite Middle"; married to Sonya Smith), and Mary Kay Greene Platt (married to Russell Platt). Kay thought she had the world's best grandchildren, Jackson and Harrison Greene; Natasha Greene; Katie Platt Terry; Joey and Danny Platt; and Annie Platt Paterson. She also had the joy of knowing her great grandchildren, Kimi Marshall, and Lotte, Maddie, Jordan, Landon, Caleb Terry. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Marianne Buchanan, and grandson Joey. She is survived by her children, nieces, and nephews, all whom she loved and admired.