Dorothy Lee Withrow

Dorothy Withrow, of Modesto, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on October 19th 2021,in Los Angeles, California.
Dorothy was born on October 20th, 1934 in Newark , Arkansas,  in the original central room of the Eaves family homestead where her own mother, Valeria Eaves Clark Badger had been born. The daughter of Valeria and Dain Clark, Dorothy, or Dotty, as her family called her, spent her early years traveling with her parents as her father worked, supervising construction on many of the great Dam projects throughout the western United States.  At the age of twelve the family, which now included younger brother Tom, settled in Fresno, CA. where Dorothy attended high school and College, Fresno State, and met lifelong friends, Glenna Smith and Dee Corley. Although Dotty’s parents eventually divorced, she was blessed when her mother remarried and Dorothy had the love and caring of her wonderful stepfather, Robert Badger. Their family was soon complete, with the birth of her youngest brother, Steve Badger. 
In July of 1955 Dorothy married Charles (Chuck)  Withrow, and they began their life together. Over the years they raised their three children, Jocelyn, Terrance, and Patrick, and lived in Modesto, Anchorage, Alaska, Mountain View, CA, and then ultimately returned to Modesto.  Dorothy was an amazing and loving mother who was always involved in all aspects of her children’s lives.  She once even coached Terry’s Little League team, in Alaska, no small feat!  She was on school parent boards, worked for Catholic Charities, campaigned for Robert Kennedy Jr, was on the Board of Healthy Aging, and volunteered for many other important organizations. Dorothy was always willing to pitch in when needed.  She was also an avid tennis player, bridge player, and golfer, who once, when a mama bear was walking toward her, ignored the calls of “Dorothy, Bear!” and completed her putt!  
In the mid 1970’s, as her children were growing up, Dorothy began a new phase of her life as she became a real estate agent and broker. With her business partner and dear friend, Verdia Howard, they bought Weeks Real Estate and began very successful careers.  As one of the first women-owned brokerages in Modesto, Dorothy and Verdia were known for their integrity and depth of knowledge of the real estate business.  
It was during this time period that Dorothy also began to indulge in one of her great passions, travel.  Over the years she traveled with good friends, Alberta Watson, and later, Bev Langley, over much of the world.  She traveled several times to Europe, especially loving Spain. She went to China, Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand(with brother Tom and his wife Cheryl), and made several trips to Hawaii and Mexico. 
At the Age of 75, Dorothy retired and began spending more time enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dee Dee, as the grandkids called her, always had stories and fun things to do with her grandbabies! She was proud to be able to be a part of their important moments and they were so blessed to have her.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Jocelyn Borboa(Gilbert), Terrance Withrow(Christen), Patrick Withrow (Kathy), her brothers,Tom Badger(Cheryl), Steve Badger(Dawn), her ten grandchildren,eight great-grandchildren and many wonderful friends. She lived a full, thoughtful, and loving life and we are all better for having her in our lives.
A funeral mass will be held Monday, October 25,2021 at 10:00am at St.Stanislaus Catholic Church. 709 J St, Modesto, CA 95354. A private Interment Ceremony will be held at Burwood Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.