Doris C. Backus

1927 - 2021

Doris (Dodie) C. Backus
November 11, 1927 - June 29, 2021
Sacramento, California - Doris (Dodie) Clark Backus, 93, of Sacramento died peacefully at home on June 29, 2021.
Dodie was born on November 11, 1927 in Ann Arbor and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. She graduated from Royal Oak High School and received her BA in Theater from the University of Michigan. She later earned her MA in Communication Studies from California State University Sacramento. While attending University of Michigan, Dodie met A. Richard (Dick) Backus and they were married in 1951. They relocated to California in 1957 and settled in Sacramento in 1959.
Dodie was a vibrant woman who loved California and was an active member of the Sacramento community. A charter member of KVIE, she volunteered for many years and served as Chair of the Board in 1983. She was also involved in the League of Women Voters, local Democratic Party politics and was an early and on-going supporter of the American River Parkway. Her interests in the arts also led to her decades of involvement in the Creative Arts League of Sacramento, serving twice as its president.
Most of Dodie's working life was in public and government relations, working at the State Legislature, the Department of Corrections and serving as an elected member and President of the Carmichael Water District. She was also an adjunct professor of Communication Studies at CSUS for several years.
Known for her warmth and wit, Dodie was a consummate hostess and loved to throw casual dinners and parties at the family's home in Carmichael. She and Dick travelled extensively in the United States and abroad, including trips to Europe, Africa, Central America, China, Australia and New Zealand. They also spent many tranquil days with family and friends hiking, boating, fishing and reading at their rustic cabin in Tuolumne County.
Dodie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, A. Richard Backus, a Superior Court Judge; parents Ellef and Esther Clark of Royal Oak, Michigan; siblings Charles Clark, Alice Watch and Robert Clark. She is survived by her children, Susan Backus (Ramah, NM), Sarah Backus (Sacramento) and Robert Backus (Sacramento);grandchildren, Adeliza Backus Pace, Christopher Daniil Backus Norbeck and Elena Backus y Herrera; brother John Clark of Minnesota; many beloved nephews, nieces, friends and faithful canine companion Honey.
The Backus Family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at Kaiser, the staff of American River Hospice and the wonderful caregivers at The Chateau at Rivers Edge.
A celebration of Dodie's life will be held at a later date. Donations in Dodie's memory may be made to the Creative Arts League of Sacramento and KVIE Channel 6.