Dorothy Ann Moyle Palmer
April 6, 1934 - December 28, 2025
Arts enthusiast and Holladay horsewoman Dorothy Ann Moyle Palmer died December 28, 2025 from pneumonia, after a fall. She was born April 6, 1934 to Dorothy Irvine and Oscar Wood Moyle Jr. Our family matriarch eagerly hosted holiday picnics and community events in her grandparents’ Cottonwood home and garden. Dorothy Ann (“D.A.”) attended East High and earned an English degree at the U of U where she met her future husband, Joseph James Palmer, and her beloved Pi Beta Phi classmates. She worked in clinical and non-profit administration, volunteered in the Junior League, and was a member of Cottonwood Garden Club.
Some of her favorite pastimes over 91 vital years were watercolor painting, entertaining, and giggling with sorority sisters. D.A. served on the Salt Palace Convention Center public art committee. She helped spearhead the collection of art made by Utah women artists for her beloved Town Club, organizing lecture programs and probing literature. In 1991 Joe and D.A. donated their pioneer-era art collection to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts so visitors could take in Western landscapes. Traveling to enjoy opera, she expanded her worldview in retirement.
D.A. and Joe lovingly supported their four children: Joseph James, Jr. (deceased); Anne Elizabeth; Wood Moyle (Ann Loyola); and Davis Preston (Kelli Keegan). Residing in Alta, WY and Salt Lake City, UT they lived with and helped raise four of their eight grandchildren: Joe, Ella, Ashton, Madison, Preston, Peter Cole, Hanna, and Rowan. D.A. and Joe enjoyed a loving circle of friends and extended family. Smiling and laughing were the hallmarks of any gathering.
Our family thanks Michael Pendergrast for coaxing D.A. to drive and to smile again after Joe died in 2015. A reunion for those who loved her will take place from 2-4 p.m., January 17, 2026 at Town Club. In lieu of flowers: see art, hug your loved ones.
In Loving Memory
Oh my goodness, Anne, Davis and Wood. I am so sorry for your loss. DA was a forced to be reckoned with, I truly revered her. I’m sending you all my love and best wishes. I have so many fond memories of your mom. I know how much you’ll miss her. Love always, Pam.
Thinking of you all and passing along our most sincere condolences to the whole family. DA was an great lady. What an amazing life well lived.
Your family was such a large part of my growing up years, with your mom as a wonderful connector for me and you, Anne. Thank goodness you all also lived on 6200 South - our families had some important aspects in common. DA will be missed. You were a wonderful daughter to her, Anne. Sending lots of hugs.
DA and Joe were like parents to me after I moved west and had lost mine. I always enjoyed visiting with her whenever I got to Salt Lake. She will be sorely missed.
In Loving Memory
