Dorothy (Thompson) Skidmore

Dorothy Harriet Thompson Skidmore courageously stepped through the veil on October 16, 2021. She left her mortal journey much the same as she entered it: filled with a fierce determination to remain true to herself and to serve those around her in every way she could.

Mom was born in Driggs, Idaho, on September 12, 1942. Her early childhood was spent in the beautiful Teton Valley, where she developed a love for God’s gardens that she carried with her throughout her life. Flowers, trees, and wildlife always brought her great joy. Yet, nothing brought her more joy and purpose than her family.

Mom was the second daughter and fifth child of eight siblings born to Alden Ray Thompson and Ruth Caldwell, whom she loved and served all her life. Those who knew her might say that Mom was her Daddy’s girl, but she probably would have argued right back that she was her own.

Mom married her sweetheart, Lyndon L. Skidmore, on December 21, 1962, and they’ve been married nearly 59 years. From the beginning, Dad and Mom worked together as a unit to support each other and their family. They built their home in Ammon, Idaho, and raised their four children there.

She went to great lengths and considerable expense to encourage and support each of her children in developing their talents and chasing their dreams. Mom never missed an opportunity to stand with, cheer on, and applaud her children. Truthfully, she rarely even missed her grandchildren’s activities.

Mom was devoted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in a variety of callings in almost every organization within it. To name but a few: she served as Young Women’s President; in Primary presidencies; and in the Relief Society as a compassionate service leader. She loved working with the youth and wrote multiple skits for girls’ camp and road shows. She and Dad also supported each of their children in serving a mission for the Church.

Mom was an educator at heart. She tutored many neighborhood kids and other students. In her work, she was both innovative and dedicated. If she wasn’t sure how to solve a problem, she took it upon herself to study and to research in order to teach herself the skills she needed (all this before the days of Google and YouTube). She wrote several grants and became quite proficient in the skill. These skills helped her assist the Development Workshop in buying 100 computers and two servers so that their system could be networked. Mom was also very skilled at resume-writing and was always delighted to hear stories of successful college acceptances or job offers that came about in part as a result of her support.

She sincerely cherished the friendships that she developed as a result of her participation in her many service organizations and clubs. She was an active member and officer in her chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She was an avid reader and belonged to both a book club and a quilting club. She also served on the board for the Festival of Trees for many years.

Mom genuinely lived life to the fullest. She was filled with integrity and fiercely loyal to those she loved. We will miss her laughter, her fist-shaking when you annoyed her, and the constant comfort of her unconditional love.

Mom has gone on to join her parents, Alden and Ruth; her three brothers, Ermal, Charles and Blaine; and two of her grandchildren, Josh and Joy. It brings a smile to our faces when we think of the fun she’s having.

She is survived here in mortality by her husband, Lynn Skidmore; her four children, Jodi (Jaren) Robison, Darin Skidmore, Eric (Amy Jean) Skidmore, and Jason (Erica) Skidmore; her seventeen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Eula, Patsy, Teresa, and Kelly.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 25, 2021, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:30-8 p.m. and Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services, both visitations at the funeral home. Services will be broadcast live on this page. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Our family wants to express our deep gratitude to Mom’s caregivers, Jamie and Stacy. No one could have made her final days more peaceful and comforting than they did.