Susan Motz Obituary

Susan Dorsett Motz

Former Durango resident Susan Dorsett Motz died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at her home in Las Cruces, N.M., from complications of breast cancer. She was 64.

Mrs. Motz was born Oct. 22, 1947, in Durango to Alton and Alberta Dorsett. She graduated from Durango High School in 1965 and married Douglas R. Motz on July 10 of the same year at United Methodist Church in Durango.

In 1970, she graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa with a degree in general education, and she later returned to earn a master's degree in special education.

Mrs. Motz was an active member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and devoted a great portion of her life to enriching the lives of children. She stayed in touch with many of her students, who knew her as "Motz," long after they left her classroom, her family said. She taught in Durango and San Diego before finishing her career in Aztec.

After retiring in 2006, Mrs. Motz and her husband became full-time RVers, traveling the country and enjoying all of the people, places and history it has to offer. The couple also made occasional visits to Mexico, where they enjoyed the weather and the slow pace of Baja living, her family said.

Mrs. Motz was preceded in death by one unnamed infant.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Douglas Motz of Las Cruces; children Melissa E. Motz and Pamela R. Winnett, both of Las Cruces, and Douglas C. Motz of Peoria, Ariz.; brother Terry Dorsett of Chandler, Ariz.; sister Carol Phelps of Chandler; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place this summer in Durango.

In lieu of flowers and cards, donations may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 80055 or a charity of one's choice in Mrs. Motz's honor. A guestbook can be signed at www.lapaz-grahams.com.