Dorothy Sullivan

Our dear mother, Dorothy May Sullivan, completed her earthly mission and returned to her heavenly home on June 21, 2022.  Her life was an example of true Christlike love and patience.  She was devoted and unwavering in her commitment to her family.  The sting of her loss is bearable only through the knowledge  she is reunited with the love of her life, her parents, and her older brother.

Dorothy was born in Francis, Utah, on December 28, 1948, to Warren and Fae McNeil.  She loved the small town where she was born and raised and where she spent nearly all her life.  She often wondered how heaven could ever be better than Francis.

After graduating from South Summit High School, Dorothy married Milton Cox.  Together they had seven children before they divorced.  After her first marriage ended, Dorothy put herself through nursing school so she could support her family without relying on others.  This led to a job at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake and the man who would change her, and her family’s, life for eternity.

On April 2, 1987, John Sullivan married Dorothy and her seven children.  He brought a daughter to the family, and they later had one more son.  Together, John and Dorothy lived perfectly.  Their love was poetic.  It was transcendent.  Their commitment to one another and their family will forever be their legacy.

After John had a debilitating stroke in 2003, Dorothy added the roles of caretaker and home health nurse and chauffer to her already-full plate.  Every day for nearly a decade she cared for all of John’s needs.  She literally broke herself caring for her husband, yet she never complained; she never expressed regret; she never despaired; she never took time off or tagged out or asked for help.  Her service to her husband was an inspiration to everyone privileged to witness it.  When John passed away in 2013, a part of Dorothy died with him.  She missed him every minute for the rest of her life and visited his grave EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  She wanted to be with him, and we take comfort knowing they are together again.

Dorothy was a skilled nurse and spent most of her career working at the Heber Valley Medical Center.  There she made many lifelong and precious friends.  Dorothy was also a patriot who attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant as a nurse in the Army Reserve.  She was forever proud of the fact that, as a mother of nine kids, she mobilized to Germany during the Gulf War, leaving behind all that was precious to serve her country just as her father and brothers before her.

As much as anything in life, Dorothy loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  She was a devoted disciple of her Savior and dedicated her life to serving Him.  Those who knew Dorothy often described her as the most Christlike person they ever met.  If she wasn’t at home or at the cemetery, she was probably at a temple somewhere.  Dorothy treated every person she ever met with love and dignity; she saw the good in everyone.  It was often difficult to number her family members as she claimed everyone as her own.

Dorothy is survived by her nine children and their spouses: Shay Giles (Justin); Casey Rockhill (Trevor); Kellie Sullivan; Shannon Zimmerman (John); Mac Cox (Jeanette); Josh Cox (Amber); Morgan Cox (Jamie); Curtis Cox (Lauren); and William Sullivan (Jaycee).  She is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and five amazing siblings.  She was welcomed to the other side by her loving husband, her parents, her brother Allen, and two grandkids.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Francis LDS Chapel, 387 W Last Frontier Lane, Francis, Utah, and on Monday, June 27, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.  Funeral services will follow on Monday, June 27th at 11:00 AM at the Francis Chapel.  Interment will be in the Francis Cemetery under the direction of Crandall Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mesa Vista, Inc., in Orem, Utah, a care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities.