Dorothy Ann Phelps

Dorothy Ann(Dee) Phelps of Upland passed away at her home on January 11, 2016. Dee was born April 26, 1934 in Bloomington, Illinois and grew up in Winter Haven, Florida before moving to San Diego. She attended San Diego State University and married James H. Phelps. Prior to her graduation, Dee and Jim moved to Mexico City so that he could undertake medical training. The family settled in the city of Upland in 1965. Dee was involved in civic activities including terms as PTA President at Magnolia Elementary School and at Upland High School. Dee was a board member of the Upland Public Library, the Upland Housing Authority, and the Price Foundation. She was a 36 year member of The Friday Afternoon Club. Dee was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and served as a mentor and Sunday school teacher. Dee completed her undergraduate education in 1979 with a B.S. in Anthropology/Geography at Cal Poly Pomona and earned her M.S. in Geography at UC Riverside in 1989 and she taught geography at Riverside City College.

Dee loved reading, geography, learning, travel, and exploring the world with family, friends, and her church. She led her family on adventures in the canyons of Lake Powell and the southwest desert and traveled with family and friends to locations such as Turkey, Israel, Chile, Peru, Bhutan, India, China, and Egypt. Dee lived in Mexico City for 6 years, spoke Spanish fluently, and explored geological sites throughout Mexico. Above all, Dee valued her time with her children, grandchildren, and friends.

Dee is survived by her five children, Ann Phelps, Reed Phelps, Susie Phelps Cruger, Karen Skvarna, and Newell Phelps, by her son-in-law Eric Skvarna, and by daughters-in-law Kathy Phelps and Audrey Phelps. She is survived by her ten grandchildren and great granddaughter. Dee is also survived by her three sisters, Julie Woodson, Jacki Cullen, and Margo Walkoe, by her sisters-in-law Margaret Phelps and Norma Phelps, by her brothers-in-law John Phelps, Richard Woodson, and Matt Walkoe, and by her many beloved nieces and nephews. Dee will be forever loved and remembered for her positive nature, her enthusiasm, and her dedication to her family and friends. Memorial services will be held on Saturday January 23rd at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Upland located at 262 N. Euclid Avenue in Upland, CA 91786. Memorial contributions on behalf of Dee may be made to the Upland Housing Authority, the San Antonio Community Hospital Foundation, the First United Methodist Church of Upland, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.