Dorothy Petty Burdis

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Sept. 17, 1922 – April 1, 2015
PRICE-Dorothy Mae Petty Burdis, the red headed beauty from Ferron, Utah passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 in Price, Utah. She put so much love and energy into her family that, finally, none was left. Her passing left a big hole in our lives but she previously over-filled our souls by giving us strength, integrity and compassion that will be with us forever. Dorothy, the daughter of Roscoe and Jane Petty grew up in Ferron, Utah, an area her Grandpa Petty and Grandma and Grandpa Wareham settled after they separately crossed the plains following Brigham Young to a new world with religious freedom. This new world wasn’t easy, the land was dry and arid and crops were fickle.
Then came the great depression when the holes in Dorothy’s shoes were filled with old newspaper. She remembered the discomfort of poverty but also fondly remembered her only sibling Udella Myers and the fun they found everywhere. Udella was 10 years older and often acted as a mother for Dorothy.
Dorothy found the love of her life, Gus Burdis, at an outside dance in Ferron, Utah before World War II. Her dad and uncles owned the outdoor dance hall and Gus was a musician from Price who just came to play for the night. Needless to say, that night changed both their lives and they were married March 6, 1941. Gus, the son of Greek Immigrants was dark and handsome. Dorothy was stunning with her red hair and proud Mormon heritage. Lots of people did not approve of this early mixed marriage and predicted gloom and doom. Greeks and Mormons did not marry in those early days. But, Gus and Dorothy worked side by side in business and family and proved everyone wrong. Their first child miscarried and was never named. But, fortune smiled on them and they had four beautiful, healthy children, Rosemary Kappes (Ray) sons Karl and Shane Davis, daughter, Shaundra Davis; Annette Johnson (Don) sons Todd and Dustin; Frank Burdis (Liz), daughter Nora and son Andy; and their favorite, curly headed boy, Paul Burdis (Connie) daughter Brooke Rae (taken before her life began), son P.J. and daughter Jennifer. Between all of these kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren were born. Each child made Dorothy happier and happier. These beautiful individuals include: Keira, Ashley, Kelsey and Jason Davis, Nicholas, Alex, Gracelyn, Mikah and Bridger Johnson, and last, but not least, Jacelyn Burdis who entertained her Yia Yia by writing her stories and reading them to her. All of these lucky individuals carry Dorothy’s good looks and great intelligence. Dorothy’s life would be incomplete without mentioning sister Udella’s daughters, Pauline, Doris, Rhea and Brenda and special Greek Cousin Sophie Moore.
Bad news came in March 2009 when Gus left for his heavenly journey. Everyone thought Dorothy would follow soon behind but, we were mistaken. She remained in her Price home for several years. She was intelligent, spry and enjoyed this phase of her life. She was always up for a card game or a visit from one of her family members In August, 2014 Dorothy’s health took a downward turn. She with her children made the painful decision to move to the Heirloom Inn in Price. Though it wasn’t her real home, she found a lovely retreat with staff and residents who cared for her. Thank you Kelli and all of your staff – you treated her with respect and kindness. And thank you residents, Dorothy knew most of you and you made her comfy in the last part of her journey. In addition the family thanks Kathy Parker, Gail Atwood, Lamond and Jacelyen Williams, Kathy Whicker, and Ina Crouse for being special friends.
Dorothy was baptized last fall by Fr. Brendan Pelphrey, PhD Economos, Presiding Priest of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Price. This produced a special bond between them that was shared with many members of the church. She loved spending countless hours with her friends cooking for the Greek Festival and other church activities.
Trisagion service will be held Monday evening, April 13, 2015, 7 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price with a viewing beginning at 6 p.m. Immediately following the prayer service, refreshments will be served in the basement of the Greek Church. Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (61 South 200 East) in Price. Family will receive friends Tuesday morning at Mitchell’s one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in the Price City Cemetery and all are invited back to the church for a luncheon in memory of Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s name can be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 688, Price, Utah 84501. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Dorothy online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.