Dorothy Ruth Vye
June 22, 1933 – October 26, 2020
Dorothy Ruth Vye 87 of Richmond departed this life with her husband of 61 years holding her hand on October 26, 2020.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Born in Aldan, Pennsylvania, she was active in church, sports, Girl Scouts, AAUW and the League of Women Voters. She was a community leader and activist in education and environmental issues especially land use. She insisted on organic health food and read labels to avoid artificial colors and preservatives.
While in HS she was a majorette and played flute in the band, sang in the choir, and was inducted in to the National Honor Society. She earned a BA from Ohio Wesleyan and a Master’s of Education degree from Temple University. She played 3 varsity sports in HS and excelled in Field Hockey at the collegiate level. She was even invited to play in 2 National USA Field Hockey tournaments. While at Temple she was the Head Women’s Basketball Coach for 2 years. After leaving Temple she continued her dedication to girl’s sports as a basketball and field hockey coach and referee.
She will be remembered for her lively, friendly nature.
Preceded in death by her Father Earnest F. Miller and Mother Marjorie M. Miller, Sister Barbara A. Miller and Brother Kenneth W. Miller.
She will be lovingly remembered by her Husband, Lloyd J. ” Bud” Vye, Daughter Laura J. Wright (grandsons Daniel and Evan Wright), son Andrew E. Vye (daughter-in-law Carla Haack Vye).
Services to be held online livestreaming at Trinity United Methodist Church on November 2, 2020 at 2:00 pm. https://www.trinityumc.net/memorial-service/. Service will be archived a few days if you are unable to view live. Interment will follow later in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA alongside her sister Barbara.
If you would like to dedicate a memorial in Dorothy’s name, please do so to the AAUW Fund at https://www.aauw.org (American Association of University Women is a 135 yr old non–profit which helps promote educational and economic equity for girls and women.
Arrangements by Affinity Funeral Service – Richmond Chapel.
Bud, Cathy and I are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life she had. Made even more so by having you by her side. You are in our thoughts.
Bud, Ann ad I are so sorry to hear of Dotties’s passing. We always enjoyed our conversations at the Wednesday night fellowship table,
Sorry We didn’t have more of them. I knew she was an avid sports participant but never knew how accomplished she was.
We Regret not being able to accept your invitation to lunch a few weeks ago, or was it months, because of this awful virus.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Ann and Bob Passmore
Bud. my very dear, old friend, I am truly sorry and sad when I learned of Dot’s passing. I know the sorrow of losing a spouse. Bu I also know you will look back at the 61 years, with much love and tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bud, you know I am here for you at any time. Please let us keep in touch.
Bill
Sending you deepest condolences on the death of your dear loved one. I pray your memories comfort you in the days ahead. We are praying for you in the early morning prayer group at Trinity on line.
Bud, Laura, Evan, Daniel, and Andy,
We are deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Praying for your healing, comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Susan and Blake Mitchell
Bud, you and Dorothy had a wonderful run together. I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to you from a “biking buddy.”
Vye family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Dot. Looking through the countless pictures and hearing lots of wonderful stories about her life, just reinforced my thoughts of her being a wonderful wife and mother. Remember all the good times and the countless adventures/trips you shared. The passing of a loved one is never easy, so I pray that God will bless and comfort your family.
With deepest sympathy.
Tony Snyder
Bud, Harry and I are so sorry to learn that Dottie is not physically with us anymore, but certainly she is spiritually. I shall miss my old friend of twenty-two years,having met as a perspective member of the Richmond American Association of University Women. Dottie was the most dedicated member of our organization and embodied all its principals. We served together as officers on several occasions. I still remember my almost nightly call(s) from her.! She was so dedicated.
Personally, I shall miss her smile and being my confidant. You and Dottie have always appreciated your interest and support of my family. I spoke to Drew in New York about Dottie’s sudden passing. He was truly upset and remembered his many concerts, plays, etc that she attended.
May you both have peace and remember the good times.”
Bud, please take care of yourself and let us know if we can be of any hep to you or your family.
Love,
Marian and Harry
I have many happy memories of time spent with my Aunt Dot and Uncle Bud. When I think back over the major milestones of my life, they were always there until recent years made it was too difficult to travel. When I think of Aunt Dot, two things come to mind; her great hugs which were really more like squeezes that didn’t want to let you go because it was her way of saying I love you and I don’t want to let you go, and the fact that she always prioritized family and ensuring she was there for as many family occasions as possible. My childhood and adulthood memories often include Aunt Dot and Uncle Bud. They just always made time for us to visit whether they came to our home or we went to them.
When I was just 5 years old, I flew on a plane by myself from Rochester, NY where we lived to Philadelphia while my Mom and Dad were preparing for the birth of my sister, Lisa. I spent a week with both Aunt Barbara and Aunt Dot. Feeling spoiled and loved with all the attention given to me as their special little niece . At that time, I was often told that I favored Aunt Dot because I was tall for my age and had very light blond hair.
I especially appreciate their attendance at my parents Surprise 50th Anniversary party (along with Laura), dressed in the 50s style clothing as requested. My father was Aunt Dots only and younger brother, Ken. They were also there when Dad fell ill with pancreatic cancer and again when he passed away to help Memorialize him as her baby and beloved brother.
As an adult, I tried to use vacation time to visit Aunt Dot and Uncle Bud, as well as my other aunts and uncles. Aunt Dot and Uncle Bud made the trip up to Philly where my husband, Ken, and I were staying with Aunt Barbara. We always enjoyed going to local parks, cultural and historic places— just like when we were kids visiting our aunts.
In 2014, my husband, Ken, and I extended a DC business trip to spend time with Aunt Dot, Uncle Bud, Laura and her boys. It was a fun, memorable time together. Although it was difficult to walk, she still made the effort to come to see some of the Richmond sights with us. In 2016, Mom, Susan, Lisa, Ken and I were in PA visiting family, the Vyes agreed to meet us halfway in Baltimore for the day. It was a great day together with Laura, Daniel, Evan,, Aunt Dot and Uncle Bud. That was the last time my Mom was able to fly and she enjoyed and cherished the time with her sister and brother in law.
Aunt Dot always remembered to say thank you and appreciated the smallest gestures ( even if she was practical and did sometimes tell us not to waste our money!). I would get a call or message left on voice mail expressing her thanks or a quick email. She also always appreciated it when a family treasure was still being used and she was happy to know we still have and use my grandparents bedroom dressers!
In August of this year, my sister Lisa and I braved the COVID situation and flew to Richmond to visit with Aunt Dot, Uncle Bud and our cousins, Laura and Andy as well as Daniel and Evan. All COVID precautions were observed so I didn’t get that last squeeze hug from Aunt Dot but we talked, had a few meals together ( I even got her to move off her usual “no sugar” position and enjoy a coconut milk ice cream bar with me.) and she blew air kisses at us as we had to say good bye.
I didn’t know that really was our last good bye and her passing was unexpected as I was pleased she was making progress after her fall and had hoped to visit again in the Spring of next year. But there are no regrets and Aunt Dot ended her life the way she lived it, according to her plans, never shy about expressing her opinion, and convictions, she passed peacefully and contented that she didn’t leave anything undone, with her hand held tightly by her husband of 61 years.
Sending love, prayers and sympathy to Uncle Bud, Laura and Andy. Let’s honor Dot by maintaining and nourishing family ties as much as she did. She is now with her parents, older sister Barbara and younger brother, Ken. Exactly where she wants to be.
Love you Aunt Dot! Just watched the memorial tribute and it was beautiful. I love that Laura said you were progressive before being progressive was in. And Andy emphasized your wonderful strength – physical and strength of character. You had a passion for so much and especially for your family. You always made time to come and see us in California and as my sister, Kim, said, your hugs were amazing – bear hugs conveying so much love and security too. You will be greatly missed and we look forward to seeing you again some day. The love you poured into your friends and your family remains and goes on and on.
Love, Lisa (niece)
The last time I spoke to Dot was about a week before her graduation to heaven. She felt sorry for me because I had pulled a muscle in my back; I felt sorry for her because she had fallen and fractured her pelvis. We made it a point though the years to keep in touch, no matter the distance between us. I knew enough not to get to a discussion with Dot on certain subjects, such as politics and food choices because she would always win. She was a skilled debater. In spite of that, we loved each other no matter what. I have always thanked the Lord for my marriage into the Miller family – one of the greatest blessings of my life. I will miss our “Dot” bur I’m thankful for the continuing connection with Bud, Laura, Andy and the boys. As my sister says, “Old age ain’t for sissies”, but we can look forward to that time when we meet again thru faith in Jesus.
Bud and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bud, I am thinking of you at your time of loss. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Bud, Sorry for your loss. She made an impact.
I was privileged to know Dorothy just a little. Always passionate about justice, especially for women and girls. I am grateful for the brief time I spent with her. She was lovingly cared for by my biking friend, Bud. Holding the family in my heart at this time.
Bud,
Just happened upon Dot’s obit in google. We are so sorry to hear this and Cindy and I are so glad to have had dinner with you and Dot the time you visited Boston and our subsequent conversations by phone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family,
Gerry and Cindy Vye
Gerry and Cindy, thank you for this message, I am sorry to say Bud passed away May 15, his obituary is also running on the affinity site