Dorothy Irene Coltrin

In Loving Memory

Dorothy Irene Coltrin passed away peacefully in her home as the sun rose on October 22, 2026, at the age of 96.

Dorothy was born in Fairfield, Idaho, on April 18, 1930, to Newell and Edna Carman. She was the youngest of six children and grew up on a farmstead on the Camas Prairie near Fairfield. Among her childhood pets were mice. She often recalled storms when lightning traveled down the stovepipe and through the cooktop, as well as winter journeys to school in a sleigh equipped with a wood stove. She attended school in Fairfield and Gooding before moving to Boise with her mother. At a dance in Boise, she first saw the love of her life, Laurence Coltrin. Before they had even met, Dorothy told a friend that he was the man she would marry—and she did. They were married on October 26, 1947, in Boise, Idaho.

Family was everything to Dorothy. She loved sewing and cooking for those she cherished. When her children were young, she made clothes for them and for her daughters’ dolls. Nothing was more important to her than making sure everyone was well fed. Her special dinners were feasts, and guests often went home with enough leftovers for several days. Ice cream bars were always waiting in the freezer for children and grandchildren on hot summer days. When life was difficult, Dorothy offered a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.

When Dorothy was not caring for her family, she could often be found tending her breathtaking flowers and garden. Her remarkable green thumb was matched only by her love of animals. Any dog, cat, or farm animal in her care was sure to be dearly loved and thoroughly spoiled.

When her youngest children were in grade school, Dorothy felt inspired to attend nursing school. It was not an easy undertaking, but through persistence and hard work, she became a registered nurse. She worked in Treasure Valley hospitals until she “retired,” then continued nursing part time in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities because of her deep love for people and her devotion to caring for them. She was in her early 80s when she finally retired.

Dorothy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her love for the Lord was reflected in the way she served and cared for others. She cherished the opportunity to serve alongside her sweetheart, Laurence, for more than 20 years in the Boise Idaho Temple.

In her later years, Dorothy devoted countless hours to genealogy, helping ensure that the stories of those who came before her would not be forgotten. Through this work, she connected with family members in other countries and discovered additional stories and information about their shared heritage.

One of Dorothy’s most remarkable qualities, the one that set her apart, was her genuine love for everyone. No matter who you were or what you might have done, she never had any room for hatred in her heart. It wasn’t her place to judge people; instead, she offered love freely. She was a friend to young and old alike. Truly, if more people were like Dorothy Coltrin the world would be a much better and much brighter place. Those who knew her will remember the warmth and light she brought to the world.

Dorothy is survived by her six children, Larry (Cindy), Dottie Robinson, Diana Hardy (Bill), Tracy (Kaelyn), Shawn, and Melissa McKee; fifteen grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence; her son-in-law, Rob Robinson; her parents; and her siblings.

Dorothy’s legacy of faith, service, and selfless love will live on through her family and all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (https://give.churchofjesuschrist.org/campaigns/81334/donations/new?utm_medium=MemoriaHumanitarian) or to a charity of your choice.

Dorothy will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise on Monday, November 9, at 1:00 p.m.