Dottie Paige

Dorothy “Dottie” Lee Moore Paige, much loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on October 21st, 2025. She was 86.

Born on June 24, 1939, in Dumas, Arkansas, to Robert S. Moore Sr. and Dorothy Price Moore, Dottie was raised in Arkansas City, alongside her younger brother, Robert Moore Jr. In this tiny town on the Mississippi River, county seat of Desha County where her father was the Sheriff for many years, Dottie grew up immersed in the culture of the southern river delta.

It was here in Desha County where her sharp wit, love of learning, and sense of humor took early root. She also developed a deep appreciation for music, one of her greatest loves throughout her life. This passion may have been born when she attended one of Elvis Presley’s early concerts, which took place in the Dermott High School gym. She loved to tell the story of talking to Elvis during a break at the concert. When she asked for his autograph, he asked her what she wanted him to write, and she said, “something sweet.” She treasured the piece of paper he gave her, which read “Something sweet, Elvis Presley.”

After high school, Dottie attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, for several years. It was at Ouachita that she met her first husband, Anthony A. (Tony) Gates of Crossett, Arkansas, and began a life of travel and adventure as the spouse of an Air Force Officer, a highlight of which was living for five years in Aldeburgh, a beautiful seaside village in England. Though this relationship wasn’t permanent, Dottie and Tony had two children together and remained friends throughout their lives.

Dottie went back to college and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, graduating in 1970, magna cum laude. She began her career working as a program administrator for the University of Maryland at Woodbridge Air Force Base in England. Then when stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, she started a position at the University of California, Davis, where she worked for 23 years as a program coordinator for the University Extension Program until her retirement in 2000. Her colleagues at UNEX were a wonderful “work family,” and she established many vibrant relationships that enriched her life. She was respected for her intelligence, efficiency, and straight talk and loved for her fun-loving personality and warm heart.

In 1982, Dottie met the love of her life, David F. Paige. David, originally of Buffalo, New York, also worked at UC Davis as a development engineer for the Agronomy Department. When Dottie and David met, they shared an instant connection and married in January 1983. They shared over 42 lively years filled with travel, laughter, partnership, and deep love. David had two daughters as well, and they blended their families and supported each other in parenting their children. In retirement, Dottie and David found great joy in helping to raise their grandchildren and spending time with their growing family.

Dottie’s love of learning was insatiable. During her retirement, she worked for and participated in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Davis for many years. There she found an outlet that allowed her to continue learning and contributing to her community and to stay connected with others who shared her curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery. OLLI became a cherished community where Dottie’s energy, intellect, and wit continued to shine. She even served on the Board of Directors and the Curriculum Committee.

Though she spent more than half her life in California, Dottie never lost her connection to her Southern roots and to the heritage of growing up along the banks of the Mississippi River. Even though she could have a sharp tongue, that “Southern belle” charm instilled from birth was always present. And although her southern accent softened over time, it could still be heard in her conversation throughout her life.

Dottie was smart, funny, quick-witted, and deeply loving. She was also a great conversationalist with many interests, ranging from music and art to politics and history, and she loved to learn about other people and always recognized and valued the gifts and talents of others. People who met Dottie, even briefly, usually remembered her later because her charm, passion for learning, genuineness and curiosity made for lively and fun conversations that brightened her life and the lives of those around her.

Dottie is survived by her devoted husband, David Paige; daughters Rose Anne Gates Cato (Brett) of Hensley, Arkansas, and Robin Gates Ducatillon (Regis) of Woodland, California; grandchildren Miles, Jac, and Luc Ducatillon; stepdaughters Erin Paige Burek (Joe) with step-grandchildren Jake, Jenna, and Hannah; and Rachel Paige Rasmussen (Mark); with step-grandchildren Haley, Kate, and Will, along with two step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Robert S. Moore Jr. (Beverly) of Arkansas City, and nephews Rob and Lee Moore of Little Rock, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert S. Moore Sr. and Dorothy P. Moore, both of Arkansas City.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Dottie’s nurses and caregivers, the team at Yolo Cares Hospice, and caregivers Mary Lou and Hind, for their kindness, compassion, and care.

Dottie’s family will carry on her legacy of fierce love, honesty and laughter. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dottie’s memory may be made to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Davis. payable to "UC Regents" to OLLI at UC Davis, 132 Mrak Hall, Davis, CA 95616, or online through the UC Davis Foundation website and specify that you want your gift to support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

In her memory, the family invites you to hug someone tight, listen to your favorite music, or speak your mind - just as Dottie would have done. If you’re not sure what music you’re in the mood for, Dottie might have recommended David Allen Coe, Pink Floyd, Kris Kristofferson, Nick Cave or Elvis Presley.