Dortha Lee Handy

Dortha “Dottie” Handy, 88, was born January 28, 1935, in Fairview, MO to Lemuel and Pearl Troxel Utter. Dottie passed away at her home from natural causes on November 30, 2023. She was the third of five children, Jean (deceased), Ralph (deceased), Dottie, Emma, and Keith. She moved to Idaho with her family in 1937.

She married Eldon Handy in 1951 (deceased 1980) and LaMar Lauritzen in 1984 (deceased 2018.)

After the children started school, she attended the College of Southern Idaho to pursue a librarian degree, obtained her realtor license and co-owned Handy Realty in Jerome, volunteered at St. Benedict’s hospital, was instrumental in making car seats for children mandatory, flipped houses and properties, obtained her private pilot license, was co-owner of Eldon Handy Salmon River Expeditions, co-owned a cattle and farm operation with LaMar Lauritzen, traveled extensively, and completed her bucket list by learning how to scuba dive.  She enjoyed knitting baby blankets for The Pregnancy Crisis Center, skiing, square dancing, card games, reading, horses, dogs, and all things in the great outdoors of Idaho.

She is survived by sister Emma Gleaves, brother Keith Utter, sister-in-law, Juana Del Handy and seven children, Carol (Mike) Pfeifer, Dave (Linda) Handy, Debbie (Lyle) Johnstone, Tom (Loretta) Handy, Steve Handy, Paul (Angie) Lauritzen and Beverly (Brandon) Chambers. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren.

She knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and often said in wonderment, “I wonder what Heaven will be like.”

The family wishes to extend deepest appreciation to Avista Senior Living and Visions Hospice for taking such loving care of our sweet mama.

No services will be held. Memories and condolences may be sent to Rosenau Funeral Home, www.rosenaufuneralhome.com, 2826 Addison Ave E, Twin Falls, Idaho, 83301.  Donations may be made in Dottie’s memory to Sage Women’s Center, www.sagewomenscenter.org, 158 Blake Street N, Twin Falls, ID 83301.