Dorothy "Dottie" Louise Palya

Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Palya left this world for the heavenly kingdom, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, after a brief illness. Dottie is survived by her  beloved husband of sixty years, John Palya. Dottie was a native of western Pennsylvania, born to parents James and Dorothy Greiner and sister to John Greiner (deceased), Grace Earnheardt, Thomas Greiner, and Patricia Hepler.

Dottie was the proud mother of three daughters Tracy Matteo of Charlottesville, VA, Tara Robbins of Raleigh, NC, and Nicole Wood of Ashland, VA, and grandmother to Jack Matteo of Arlington, VA, Jason Matteo of Arlington, VA, Ellaina Lightner of Raleigh, NC, Zoey Wood and Riggs Wood of Ashland, VA.

Dottie lived most of her adult life in Northern Virginia, working as a legal secretary and leasing agent while raising her family with her husband. For the past twenty years, Dottie and John fulfilled their dream of retiring in the Ponderosa community on Kerr Lake in Clarksville, VA. There she spent her time volunteering with the Ruritans Thrift Store, the Clarksville Food Pantry, and the Backpack Buddies programs. Additionally, she helped organize many community events, including elementary school reading programs, gift exchanges, and holiday parades.

Giving of time and talent, Dottie is remembered for her friendly, warm, and sunny demeanor, her unlimited love of family and community, and her
generous hospitality. Dottie could readily be found gardening, walking her fur-baby “Jake”, or taking boat rides with her family. For her grandchildren, she hung the moon. She took part in many social and community groups, loved playing bridge, doing bible study, and hosting book club gatherings.

The family will receive visitors Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, located at 703 Virginia Ave, in Clarksville, VA from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Methodist Church, located in Henderson at 1725 Rock Spring Church Rd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Clarksville Ruritan Club Thrift Store or the Clarksville Food Pantry.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Palya family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.