Dorothy Lee Bird (Lau), 86, died peacefully in her sleep on November 28th, 2018 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming. In her final days, she was surrounded by her loving husband, Donald, of 67 years, her two daughters, and most of her extended family that she loved so dearly.
Born to John F. and May Lau on May 1st, 1932 in Perry OK, Dorothy was an only child. Growing up on the farm, she preferred to help out with the household chores instead of working with the horses, pigs and chickens. While she helped with the animals on occasion, you were more likely to find her working in the house or reading a book on the front porch swing. In May of 1950, she graduated with her diploma from Perry High School and the following year, headed to Chicachee College for Women in Chicachee, Oklahoma where she pursued a degree in Journalism. After a blind date in 1949, coordinated by friends, Tom and Leora, Dorothy’s life took a different path. On November 17th, 1951, Dorothy left her college life behind and headed for Cheyenne, Wyoming to marry the love of her life, Donald “Don” S. Bird, on the following day. As a newly married couple, they traveled to Loveland and Denver, Colorado where they enjoyed their honeymoon. Upon their return, they made their first home in a 26 foot mobile home (with no indoor bathroom) that was set up in the yard of a local Laramie couple. In 1953, they became long time members of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Two years later, on March 17th, 1955, Don and Dorothy welcomed their first daughter, Debra Lynn Bird. In 1957, they traded their mobile home to the couple, whose yard they lived in, for the home and a small backhoe. This marked the beginning of Bird Construction where Dorothy was an equal partner, aka “The Boss”. On June 6th, 1958, Dorothy and Don welcomed their second daughter, Donna Jo Bird. Life was busy and their hearts were full.
As local small business owners in Laramie for many years, Dorothy and Don were involved in multiple business enterprises. Dorothy held the Order of the Rose in Beta Sigma Phi, belonged to multiple women’s groups in her church and was an active member of many organizations in Laramie.
In 1981, Dorothy and Don were able to retire and travel around the United States visiting all the states except the Carolinas. Their years of “motor coach” traveling were memorable, as were the friends they made along the way through their membership in the Family Motor Coach Association and their chapter, the High Plains Drifters. Dorothy left this Earth knowing that she lived a life full of many blessings. In her own words, she felt “lucky.”
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, John F. and May Lau.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Don of Laramie; two daughters, Debi and Greg O’Donnell of Laramie and Donna and Gary Crandall of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming; her eight grandchildren,
Chad and Sarah O’Donnell (Cheyenne, Wyoming), Cassidy and Mitch Biggs (Laramie, Wyoming), Shon and Carter Crandall (San Diego, California), Jennifer Bird Crandall (Westminster, Colorado) and Megan Crandall (Troy, Alabama); and her six great grandchildren, Ben, Toby, Austin, Liam, Everette and Cashus.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 at the First Christian Church, followed by an Inurnment at Greenhill Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Dorothy Bird Memorial Fund at ANB Bank of Laramie WY for the placement of a memorial bench in a local park, where she and Don loved to walk together.
Dorothy was a wonderful person. Our prayers are with Don and all the family. Kathy and Alan Thompson
I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. Bird's passing . Going to "the Birds" and visiting Wyoming and White Rock Estates are some of my fondest memories! The Bird family always treated us like extended family when we visited there, when I was a small child up to teenager. Mrs.'s Birds cinnamon rolls were the best I had ever had! When my parents Tom and Leora (Lee) took our family to vitit Dorthy, Don, Donna and Debi in Wyoming it cemented my love of the mountains and forests for a lifetime! Condolences and hugs to Mr. Bird and your families. Sincerely, Anne (Eppler) Salter
For as long as I live I will remember my cousin Dorothy and her sweet personality. I remember her singing Mockingbird Hill to me many times when I was a little girl. I think she has awakened in the morning on her own Movkingbird Hill. Much love to Donald and your daughters, may you have peace and comfort.
We fondly remember the the many great times we had with Don and Dorothy while traveling with the Drifters. Dorothy will be remembered as one of the kindest and friendliest people we have known. Our condolences to family and friends. She will surely be missed.
We fondly remember the many good times we enjoyed with Don and Dorothy while traveling in the FMCA. We remember Dorothy as one of the kindest and friendliest people we have known. She surely will be missed by all who knew her.
Thoughts and prayers. JIM AND DARLENE MIllER
Being a friend through the FMCA chapter and the Good Sam Gem City Sams, and campouts with these friends and you were highlights of my earlier years as a motor home traveler. Thank you for the chance to know you. Enjoy your New Journey. Hugs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Byrd family. Dorothy was one of kind and one of most generous women I had the pleasure of knowing. The world will miss her.
Sure will miss MissDot. We had so many fun times in Drifters tooling all over the country in our motor homes. Also the get togethers along the Laramie River. My prayers are with Don and his family. Sincerely. Phyllis Duncan Cheyenne
Cecelia My prayers to all the family I will always remember the fun camping trips.
Dorothy was a very special person and will be missed by many. Bless you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.