Dorothy Abbey Eiman

Dorothy Abbey Eiman
September 18, 1932 - May 24, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dorothy Abbey Eiman, who left us peacefully on May 24, 2024, at the age of 91, at Mackenzie Place in Fort Collins, CO. Dorothy was born on September 18, 1932, in Chickasha, OK, to Leslie William Mallonee and Annie Louise Mallonee.
Dorothy's life was a testament to generosity and compassion. She was a woman who deeply believed in giving of herself to her family, church, and community. Whether she was furnishing Crossroads Safehouse, befriending an elderly resident at a nearby nursing home, or opening her home to foreign students, her acts of kindness were endless. Her life was dedicated to encouraging growth and spreading love.
Dorothy instilled in her children the importance of education. From reading to them regularly, teaching Bible school, participating in PTA, volunteering in classrooms, and helping with homework, she ensured they all became lifelong learners. While attending Colorado State University and majoring in biology, she balanced her studies with raising three young children. They would often climb into bed with her as she studied, and she involved them in her coursework, sharing fascinating anatomy and biology topics. Visits to the anatomy lab to see preserved dog organs are cherished memories, and her graduation with honors was a proud moment for the whole family.
Dorothy took every opportunity to teach in the context of daily life. One memorable experience involved a 12-mile hike for Cub Scouts. To prepare, they drove down Shields Street, a quiet two-lane country road, to measure the distance. They packed lunch, ensured they had plenty of water, and set off early on a Saturday morning. Along the way, Dorothy pointed out the wonders of nature, the mountains, the clouds, and various plants and trees. They studied insects during lunch at an old brick factory. This approach to education, blending practical activities with learning, characterized Dorothy's parenting.
Dorothy believed in connecting the responsibilities of being a student to real-world consequences. For instance, in high school, her children knew they needed a GPA above 3.2 to be allowed to drive. Her support and encouragement extended to foreign students at CSU, further emphasizing the value of education.
Dorothy graduated with honors in Biology from Colorado State University after completing her high school education at Chickasha High School. She married William S. Abbey on July 13, 1952, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. They moved to Fort Collins where Bill started his medical practice. Dorothy and Bill had 48 wonderful years together devoting themselves to their five children. Bill Abbey died in 2000. Dorothy was blessed to marry Bill Eiman on January 5, 2002, in Fort Collins. They enjoyed many cherished years together until his death in 2020. Her love and dedication to her family were boundless, and she took immense pride in their achievements.
Dorothy had a wide range of interests, including reading, walking, traveling, and serving her community. In 1976, she volunteered for a month during the Big Thompson Flood, performing various duties from typing death certificates to body recovery. Her commitment to education and public awareness was evident in her decade-long campaign, "A Show and Tell on Drug Paraphernalia," where she delivered over 100 talks across four states, educating parents on drug use and prevention.
She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, President of United Methodist Women, a Stephen Minister, and a member of the adult Sunday school. Her leadership and volunteer efforts extended to the Fort Collins Symphony Guild, Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins High, and the Kiwanis Club.
How do you summarize a life of 91 years? Mother, mom, daughter,aunt, spouse, momoo, grandmother, great grandmother, community leader, yes she was known by many names and in many places. At her core Dorothy's life is mirrored in her boundless love for family and community.
Dorothy is survived by her loving children, Kris Saucke (husband Scott), David Abbey (wife Suzanne), Kathy Moddelmog (husband Dennis), Jim Abbey, and Nick Abbey (wife Kate). She was a cherished grandmother to Annie Monesmith (Scott), Katie McCulley (Ryan), Tyler Abbey, Ben Abbey (Christina), Jeff Abbey (Josephine), William Abbey, Jackson Abbey, Brayden Windle, and Karlie Windle, and a great-grandmother to Haleigh Monesmith, Abbey Monesmith, Liam McCulley, Ezalee McCulley, Lincoln Abbey, and Madison Abbey.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husbands, William S. Abbey and William Eiman, as well as her siblings Robert Mallonee, Paul Mallonee, and Mildred Clasen Holt.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dorothy's memory to the First United Methodist Church, Old Town Library in Fort Collins, or Crossroads Safehouse.
Dorothy's life was a beacon of generosity, love, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire those she touched.
A Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, Fort Collins.