DODSON, Wanda Jean

Published by Mohave Daily News Online on Jun. 27 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Wanda Jean Dodson, known to her friends as Pat, passed away peacefully, Monday on the morning of June 9, 2025 in Claremont, California at the age of ninety five. She was born in Ajo Arizona to Ralph and Angeline Mitchell. Hers was a rich life filled with love, friendship, travel, meaningful work, and simple pleasures. While she lived most of her life in Southern California, she loved spending time in the Mohave Valley–eventually making it her home. She met Ted Dodson, the love of her life, in Lake Arrowhead shortly after graduating from high school. They married and raised a family in the San Fernando Valley. She performed meaningful work as a cafeteria manager in the LAUSD for thirty years. Upon relocating to Port Hueneme, she enjoyed long walks on the sand, boating, swimming, and biking. She took pleasure in maintaining a beautiful home, cooking healthy meals, creative pursuits: like painting, sewing, and knitting, and talking about the book she was currently reading. She traveled extensively with her husband, often with a grandchild in tow. Pat and Ted had deep roots in the family property on the Colorado River. For decades the property was a fun getaway dotted with several trailers. In the mid-nineties, they built their dream home on the water. Pat always made sure everyone was well fed and entertained with boating, kayaking, floating, water skiing, fishing, and card games. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Theodore Dodson Jr.; and her sons, Billy Dodson and Ronnie Dodson. She is survived by her daughter, Diana Wallace; son, Ray Dodson; daughters-in-law, Lori Dodson and Cathy Smith; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. We will miss her dearly, but continue to follow her example of making the most of every day.