PRICE-Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Dorothy Louise Miles Bunnell, age 80, passed away at Utah Valley Speciality Hospital on March 16, 2010.
She was born on Jan. 13, 1930 to O. Donald and Dorothy Richmond Miles in Harrisburg, Pa.
Married Boyd Bunnell in Price on June 17, 1949, and later solemnized in the Manti Temple.
The oldest of four children, Dorothy (Dottie) grew up in Pennsylvania and Salt Lake City. She moved to Price with her family in 1946, where she started attending Carbon College at age 17, earlier than most. She met Boyd while they both were attending Carbon College.
Dorothy was an accomplished pianist, organist, and vocalist at an early age she dedicated a lifetime to her love of music through both performance and teaching. The first item of furniture she and Boyd purchased was a piano. She taught piano lessons for more than 40 years, sharing the gift of music with each of her students, likely numbering in the hundreds. As an expert accompanist, she spent years accompanying countless soloists, musical ensembles, choirs, and church services throughout Castle Valley. She was a member of the Utah Music Teachers Association for many years and at one point served as a member of its board. Her greatest musical gift was the one she shared with her children and grandchildren who carry on her legacy through vocal, piano, and instrumental music.
Dorothy enjoyed participating in many productions of the Community Theatre with Boyd. Her most cherished memories were musical productions like The Music Man, Oliver, and Oklahoma as well as the opportunity she had to take a lead part with Boyd in a production of On Golden Pond.
An active and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dorothy served in a lifetime of callings as ward and stake organist, as well as ward and stake music director. She conducted countless ward and stake choirs. In addition to her musical talents she served in many other capacities including primary presidencies and relief society presidencies.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Boyd Bunnell; her four children, Diane (Steve) Sortor, Mark (Melinda) Bunnell, Craig (Kay) Bunnell, and Karen (Don) Beatty; her sister, Donna (Phillip) Seager; brother, David (Jolynn) Miles; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lauren Miles; and grandson, Matthew Sortor.
Funeral services were held, Monday, March 22, 2010, 11 a.m. at the Price North LDS Stake Center, 449 North 100 East. A viewing was held, Sunday March 21, 2010 at Mitchell Funeral Home, 233 East Main Street in Price from 6-8 p.m. as well as at the church Monday one hour prior to services. Interment, Price City Cemetery. Friends are welcome at Mitchell Funeral Home daily and invited to share memories of Dorothy online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
The family would like to thank the nursing staff and doctors at Castleview Hospital for their excellent care with special thanks to Doctors Glenn T. Etzel and Cam Williams for taking the extra time needed to care for the whole person. Special gratitude is also extended to all friends, ward, and stake members who have been there to help Dorothy through these past few difficult years.
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