Dorthy (Dotty) J. McDaniel

Dec. 1934 - Nov. 2014

Dorthy (Dotty) J. McDaniel was born in Belt, Montana, December 1934. She passed away Nov. 11, 2014. Dotty was a true renaissance woman as a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, singer, and musician. She graduated from Western Montana College and Oregon State University with Degrees in Elementary Education, Art and English. Dotty received certificates in Elementary Education, Ceramics and Painting, Remedial Reading, and special training in individualized teaching. During her time in college, she received honors from Kappa Delta Phi for “Who’s Who in American College Students.” She was also a member of Business & Professional Women’s Club, American Association of University Women, and the National Education Association. Dotty served as an officer in the Northern Nevada Literacy Council. She taught multiple grades at rural elementary schools in and around Montana highlighted by teaching a 3rd and 4th grade combination class in St. Ignatius Montana on the Flathead Indian Reservation. She served as president of the Choteau Montana Education Association. Throughout her long line of achievements, she also played an integral part of the Montana Migrant Children Supplemental Education program. Later on, Dotty taught as a substitute teacher and taught English as a second language to adults through the Community College system. Dotty performed with many local choirs including being a featured soloist with the Missoula Symphony Coral and the Reno Interfaith Choir. She was a survivor; she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 35 years ago when the average life expectancy was 7 to 15 years. She endured many health complications including breast cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. Dotty was the mother of three children, including being foster mother to three mentally and physical handicapped children. She is survived by three adult children, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Services for Dotty are scheduled for December 10, at 11:00 am at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Carson City.