Dorie Thorpe

Dorie Thorpe, 101, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 17, 2024. She was born June 3, 1922, in Logan, Utah to Florence Olsen and Oscar Britzell. She married Everett “Ev” Thorpe in 1942 who passed away in 1983.

Dorie was a classy lady, an amazing mother, and lived her life to the fullest. As a young girl, she learned to sew on her mom’s Singer sewing machine.  This skill would serve her well. She traveled to Los Angeles where she studied pattern making and design. She returned to Utah to work at Logan Cache Knitting Mills. This was the mid-1940’s and Ev would draw the clothing designs and Dorie would make the patterns. 

Throughout her career, she held various positions in the finance industry, working at the Budge Clinic in accounts receivables, the Consumer Finance and Thrift Company, and Logan Credit Bureau. In 1962, she embarked on a significant chapter when she joined the Utah State Community Credit Union, where she dedicated 25 years as the first full-time Treasurer/Manager, later transitioning to roles as Assistant Manager and Loan Supervisor. During her tenure at USU Credit Union, she not only contributed to the organization's success but also served in leadership positions such as Director of the National Association of Credit Unions, Director of the Utah Credit Union League, and President of the Credit Women International Society. Her remarkable contributions were recognized when she received the honor of Credit Union International Outstanding Woman. Even after retiring in 1987, her dedication persisted as she served on the USU Credit Union’s Board of Directors for six additional years.

Dorie was an original member of the Utah State University "Old Main Society" and a founding member of Allied Arts Guild.  Her dedication and commitment to the University and the Department of Art and Design did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by her well-deserved recognition with the "Women Over 65 Achievement Award." 

Dorie was an incredible golfer, winning the Logan Country Club Ladies Club Championship for an impressive 10 straight years. She was runner up in the Utah State Women’s Amateur in 1952. Beyond her accomplishments in golf, Dorie's long-standing 77-year membership at LG&CC indicates her deep connection to the club and its community serving as President twice and was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors. 

Aside from her accomplishments in golfing, Dorie's passion for gardening, particularly her amazing begonias, added another dimension to her character. She loved skiing, fishing, travel, and playing bridge. Her bridge partners would agree she was a formidable bridge player. But most of all, Dorie loved spending time with her family and friends.

Dorie will always be remembered for her positive outlook in everything she did, her sincere concern for others, and her great sense of humor.  

She knew her priorities and kept the concerns in her life balanced. Her practicable side often said, “It is what it is”.  We will miss her smile, her love, and always keep her in our hearts.

Dorie is survived by her family, daughter Leslee Budge (Roger) Novato, California; and son Greg Thorpe (Jan) Bountiful, Utah; Four grandchildren (Emily, Alex, Eric, and Ryan); Five great grandchildren (Phillip, Matthew, Eliana, Zech, and Will).

A private graveside service will be held at the Logan City Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family online by visiting www.allenmortuaries.com.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Dorie’s honor to the USU Art Department at www.usu.edu/doriethorpe