Dorothy Kirk

Dorothy Hammond Kirk A beautiful spirit has returned home Dorothy Kirk, 84, passed peacefully from this world at home, Tuesday, November 11, 2008. Her beloved husband, John, was at her side. The third of four children born to Ellery Bryan and Mary Elizabeth Eady Hammond, Dorothy arrived February 19, 1924 in Pee Dee Township, South Carolina. In South Carolina, she attended Johnsonville Elementary and High School before entering Florence Teaching Hospital to receive training as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Always questing for greater knowledge, she also attended the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Oregon and California State Northridge. In 1944, she married Louis (Lou) Waters. They later divorced. Dorothy experienced astounding careers during her working years. As an USAF Administrative Assistant at the Pentagon, and later for the IRS and Dept. of Justice (DEA) in San Francisco. She also lived in a number of foreign countries, including Tripoli, Libya and Verdun, France. Salt Lake City has been home since 1985. In March 1972, Dorothy married John Kirk, the true love of her life. They shared many wonderful years together. Dorothy was an accomplished seamstress, oil/watercolor painter, crocheted and knitted beautifully, a gourmet cook, and had a keen eye for decorating. Dot had a marvelously green thumb and was particularly proud of her roses. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Dot, was impressed by her beautiful brown eyes, her radiant smile and her soft southern accent. She was truly a kind, generous, and gentle soul, self-described as a free spirit. Dorothy is survived by her husband, John Kirk, Taylorsville; sons, Stephen and John Waters, both of Oregon; daughter, Margaret Peggy (Leif) Loe of Gig Harbor, WA; daughter-in-law, Valerie Waters of Coalinga, CA; niece, Susan (Arthur) Hammond Stubbs of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Sam Cook, Michael, Brian and Andy Waters; three great grandchildren, as well as lots of extended family in Illinois and Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Susan (Arthur) Kirk Geary; nieces, Krista and Kimberly Geary; nephew, Jonathan Geary, all of Portland, OR. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at the Cracker Barrel, West Valley City, for their friendly, incredible love and support for Dorothy during her past five years of illness. She looked forward each day to breakfast at the Cracker Barrel with her many friends there. Also many thanks to the wonderful people at Inspiration Hospice for their kind, professional care during Dots last eleven months. They were always there for Dot, and provided amazing, timely help for every need. They all have earned our deepest gratitude. Dot requested that her remains be donated to the University of Utah Gift for Live Plus Program for research into the origins and possible treatments for Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. There will be no services at Dorothys request. Any remembrances should be in the form of donations to the Alzheimers Association of Utah, to continue their wonderful work. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.