Dorothy Redford Folsom

A mortal journey forged by the refiner’s fire has moved from this life to the next. 

Wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy Ann Redford Folsom passed away on September 12, 2024, due to the effects of several illnesses.

Like her love for making quilts, she took the imperfections presented in this world and pieced together a submissive, meek, humble, and patient life full of love. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her best friend and the love of her life Larry Everett Folsom. Dorothy asked Larry out first, with an unexpected phone call and an invitation to a sorority event. In 1959 they married in the Salt Lake City temple. Four kids followed: Steven Folsom (Robyn), Marc Folsom (Angela), Bill Folsom, and Anne Jeppesen (Tyler). She has 13 grandchildren and the current tally for great-grandchildren is 12 and rising. 

Dorothy was born February 25, 1938 to Louisa Magleby Redford Woodmansee and Lloyd H. Redford. Her mother later married LeRoy G. Woodmansee who became Dorothy’s stepfather. She has two older siblings, Barbara Redford Cook and David Redford. Dorothy will have a grand reunion on the other side of the veil with her sister Barbara, who she said was her “main influence” growing up. 

Dorothy considered education essential in life and was a lifelong learner. She was a proud East High School Leopard. After starting as a dance major at the University of Utah, she later switched to a “more practical” major, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Her friendships with her Chi Omega sorority sisters lasted throughout her life. 

At an early age, Dorothy learned the peace that comes from living the gospel in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She made no excuses for her beliefs while respecting and enjoying friends of other faiths. She said, “church was her rock and stability” during her childhood and teen years. She credits wonderful MIA (Young Women’s) leaders who helped her build her testimony while her mother had to be away working. As a member of the church she served in many stake and ward callings. She and Larry exemplified their faith by leaving children and grandchildren for 18 months while they served full-time in the Philippines, Baguio Mission. She considered her testimony of Jesus Christ one of her greatest blessings. 

Dorothy was an excellent seamstress, sewing many of her own clothes. She loved to knit, especially making sweaters for her family. Many of her knitting projects won awards. Her favorite handwork was quilting alongside her friends. 

Dorothy’s home was also a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Candy making was a generational skill she learned from her mother and passed on to her children and grandchildren. 

Dorothy cherished her role as a mother and grandmother and made it her top priority. She wanted family and friends to always feel welcome in her home. Family gatherings and neighborhood get-togethers were commonly treated as special events at the Folsom house. The guest list often grew because of Dorothy’s gift for meeting new people. 

She leaves behind a legacy of caring, kindness, and creativity. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 20, 2024, at Russon Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St. Farmington, UT. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery in Salt Lake City. Before the service, a viewing will be held from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. A live stream will be provided on the Russon Mortuary website. The link will be at the bottom of the obituary information and will go live 15 minutes before the service. 

Special thanks to the dedicated professionals at Covington Senior Living, Farmington, Atlas Hospice, and Soa Maumalanga for their compassionate care. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Utah or the LDS Humanitarian Fund.