Dot Leavitt, owner of Dot’s Mini Museum in Vega, Texas, passed away this morning, reports Linda Drake, manager of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce.
Linda describes Dot as “a dear, sweet lady that loved Route 66 and all
the people that traveled the road.”
Dot — pictured above with Jim Conkle during a visit from the Hampton Inns Route 66 Caravan — was, indeed, a dear, sweet lady. Ron and I had the pleasure of meeting her several times on our visits to Vega. Tacked to my bulletin board are two photos she shot while Ron and I were out there painting the sign at the Vega Motel. She came out several times to watch our progress and take pictures as we worked on the sign, and she was so appreciative of our efforts that she insisted on taking us to breakfast at the Hickory Inn while we were in town.
A few weeks later, we got an envelope in the mail containing the two prints and one of Dot’s distinctive business cards, which were covered with — what else? — dozens of colorful dots.
That was Dot — always doing something nice for folks she met on the road.
She appeared several times on CMT’s “Popularity Contest,” which was filmed in Vega, and every time she was on the screen, she was smiling — which didn’t surprise me in the slightest. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Dot without a big smile on her face.
Linda reports that services are planned for the morning of Thursday, Dec. 14, at Christ Community Fellowship Church in Vega. Cards, letters, and photos of Dot may be sent to her family at:
Dot Leavitt
Vega, Texas 79092
(Yes, that’s a complete address. Vega is a very small town, and Linda assures us that the postmaster in Vega will see that the mail gets to Dot’s family.)
Travel well, Dot. We’ll see you somewhere down the road.
UPDATE: Here is a bit more information from the obituary in the Amarillo Globe-News:
Dot Beatrice Leavitt, 89, of Vega died Monday, Dec. 11, 2006. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Christ Community Church in Vega. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Vega. Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Vega.
UPDATE2: Here’s a full obituary from the Globe-News. If you want to give money in her name, here’s what to do:
The family suggests memorials be to Dot’s Mini Museum fund, Friona State Bank, Vega, TX 79092.
(Photo courtesy of Guy Randall.)
Definitely one of the great folks along Route 66, all the more reason to get out on the road and meet them. Some are getting quite old and won’t be around much longer.
My wife and I were fortunate to get to meet Dot, her daughter, and a good friend back on our end-to-end trip back in September.
Ron & Emily,
I am truly touched that you would use that photo of me with Dot. It was one of our most enjoyable days on the Caravan. I got to see Dot a few times before and after that day, and it was always a delight to be with her.
She is going to be missed but will always be remembered. I know she was proud of the work the two of you were doing for her beloved road. I join her in sharing that pride in your work. Your friendship and passion do not go unoticed.
As we lose folks like Dot we need to have new people getting involved. Each of us must do our part and one of those things is to help others see the value of the road.
Dot Leavitt was my great aunt and a precious lady. She would always wear dots at our large family gatherings. She made each and everyone of us feel important and special. Our family stopped by to see her on our vacation from Oklahoma to New Mexico. We had a wonderful visit, went to see her daughter, and had the “grand tour” of Aunt Dot’s mini museum. She was a godly woman, full of love and life. I will miss her and know that i will be able to visit her someday at her new address, heaven. Where she is celebrating with my grandmother, Margie Pope DeWeese.
I have just been looking through some photos that I took 3 years ago and came across some of our visit to Dot’s Mini Museum, this reminded me that I’d promised to send Dot copies but unfortunately never got round to do it despite thinking on numerous occassions that I must do so. I was deeply saddened to read that Dot had passed away last December.
We met Dot 3 years ago whilst travelling from Oklahoma to LA. What a lovely lady with so much energy, she made us so welcome and spent so much time showing us her fantastic collection and even playing her favourite Marty Robbins on her old 8 track stereo. We were very sad to hear that she had passed away. I’d thought that some day I might return and visit her again, sadly this will never happen. I am sure she must be missed by her family and offer our belated but sincere condolences. She appears to have left nothing but happy memories for all those who have met her. I would still like to send the photos and if someone could reply to my email address I will send them back by return and maybe they could be passed on to her family. Best wishes John and Linda Drewe