Dorothy A. Pontious

MIDDLETON - Dorothy A. Pontious passed away on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010, surrounded by her family, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. “Dotty” was born on October 11, 1931 in Oak Park, Illinois, to Edna and John Beach. She was a gifted clarinetist and musician who attended the prestigious Interlochen Music Camp on full scholarship and went on to win a full ride music scholarship to University of Wichita, where she met Melvin F. Pontious, her husband and companion of 56 years. She taught private clarinet, oboe, and sax lessons for years and was proud of her talented students, many of whom played in the high school band that her husband directed. Over the years her students have commented on her musicianship, her teaching ability, and her empathy, and many have maintained close contact. Dotty and Mel raised 2 daughters, Linda and Karen. Dotty was devoted to her role as wife and mother and enjoyed cooking and baking for loved ones. She delighted in creating a home that reflected warmth, comfort, and cheer, and retained an almost childlike delight in the holidays, which her children very much still value. She was an affectionate mother and friend, putting time and attention toward making others feel special. She is survived by her husband, Melvin; two daughters, Linda Lewis of Agoura Hills, CA, and Karen (King) Mueller of North Platte, NE; two granddaughters, Alyssa and Ashlyn of Agoura Hills, CA; a brother, Donald (Phyllis) Beach, of Franklin Park, IL; a sister, Dolores (James) Baumruk, of Glendale, AZ; and ten nephews and nieces. Dotty was preceded in death by her mother and father. A memorial will be held on Friday, February 12, at OLBRICH GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a service beginning at 3 p.m. Services will also be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in LaSalle from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a service beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Dotty Pontious Memorial, Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, 1005 Quinn Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597.