Dorothy McLeod Denton

Dorothy McLeod Denton, affectionately known as Dot or Dottie, passed away peacefully at home in Austin, Texas, on May 22, 2025, at the age of 100.

Born in Quitman, Texas, on August 14, 1924, Dorothy was the only child of Jewel John McLeod and Inez (Sullivan) McLeod. She graduated from Quitman High School and went on to marry the love of her life, Harris L. Denton, on November 6, 1944, in Wood County. Together they navigated Harris’s career in the Air Force, living throughout the United States, and France, while raising a family of four boys. They shared an adventurous life together, and over many years enjoyed spending time with each other and good friends.

Dorothy earned her degree from Baylor University in 1945. Once the family settled in Austin in 1960, she dedicated many years to her career as a medical lab technician at Texas State Hospital. Her boys completed high school in Austin, Texas, while she became a beloved and active member of Highland Park Church, serving as a Deacon, and fulfilling many roles of service. There, she participated in the church’s search committees, birthday and book club and was always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Dorothy had a keen mind and a creative spirit. She loved reading and solving the daily crossword puzzle. She had a talent for sewing and knitting—skills she used generously to bless others. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and joy, as she was also an exceptional cook. She found great joy traveling with family and friends around Europe, Scandinavia, and as far away as Israel and Egypt, creating cherished memories along the way.

To her grandchildren, she was simply "Nana"—a source of unconditional love and wisdom. Her legacy is one of kindness and faith, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She greets in Heaven her parents, Jewel and Inez McLeod; husband, Harris Denton and his parents Leonard and Pet Denton; two sons, Richard Denton and Ben Denton; daughter-in-law, Linda Denton; sister-in-law Mary Denton Brown; and cousins Lila Rapp and Ray Kenny.

She is survived by her two sons, Paul Denton and wife Alice, and Dennis Denton and wife Peggy; five grandchildren, Rick Denton and wife Clancy, Sean Denton and wife Julie, Dusky Glaiser and husband Shane, Rachel Brown and husband Stephen, and Michael Denton; eleven great grandchildren, Tanner and Teagan Denton, Grace and Connor Denton, Cody and Skylar Glaiser, Kate and Charlotte Brown, Brianna, Georgia, and Nicholas Denton; and cousins, Tommy and Barbara Rapp, and Ann Kenny; and step-son-in-law Jerry Dykstra and son Mark.

The family is especially grateful for the exemplary and compassionate care provided in her final years by her beloved caregivers Jennifer Jones, Cruz Belmarez, and Dolores Garcia, and to the skilled nurses at Enhabit Hospice.

Graveside service for Dorothy Denton is scheduled for 1:00 PM Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with Reverend Cheryl Kimble officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 19, 2025 at The Church at Highland Park, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dorothy to The Church at Highland Park or a charity of your choice.