Gone, but not forgotten…

With a heavy heart, the Reinhart family shares the loss of their matriarch, Dorothy Ilene Reinhart. She passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, at the age of ninety-four with her son, Laurence, by her side. She was briefly under the care of the Alliance Hospice at Fairwinds Retirement Community in Idaho Falls, where she spent her last few years.

Dorothy's story began on August 30, 1930, at Lake Point, Utah, where she was born to her doting parents, Melvin and Mable Yost. She joined her older sister, Elva, to complete and build a family who were bound with love and respect that lasted a lifetime. As a child, she lived and traveled through Utah, Idaho, and Montana as Mel supported the Federal Airway Beacon Tower systems for the Western States.

Her favorite move took her to Idaho, where she graduated from Boise High School at sixteen, completed Secretarial School, worked in the Idaho State Employment Office, and met the man she would love for the rest of her life. Dorothy married Clarence Reinhart in 1949 and embarked on an exciting life that initially paired them with her father-in-law, Claude, building homes and subdivisions in Eastern Idaho.

They saw history made when they moved to Arco, Idaho, to build homes for the first city in the World to be powered solely by nuclear energy. The high demand for affordable housing inspired them to create a method of prefabrication and assembly that is a basis for methods used today. By 1951, they moved to Idaho Falls to develop west side properties into neighborhoods that met the needs of families who wanted attractive homes, neighborhood parks, and accessible commercial areas. Dorothy used her skills as an interior designer and avid student of Frank Lloyd Wright to create living spaces that were appreciated for their attention to detail and use of the newest amenities. They expanded their business to include civil concrete construction, such as slope paving and curb and gutter projects, which continued until 2010.

They decided to "slow down" or semi-retire and moved to Alpine, Wyoming. Unable to resist the chance to work with their children, the family built the Alpen Haus Hotel and the Convenience Store, and a gas station at the junction. Eventually, they were able to spend their summers in Wyoming and their winters in Mesquite, Nevada.

Although they lived, breathed, and taught living with a strong work ethic, it can be said that Dorothy and her family missed a few chances for fun. The outdoors had a special call for her family, and they frequented The Flying B Ranch in the Idaho Primitive Area and loved boating in the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout the West. Hunting season rarely passed them by. Thankfully, she was an outstanding cook and could put a feast together from the wildlife and fish that made their way to her kitchen, compliments of the hunters and anglers in the family.

Whether winning a high-stakes poker tournament in Nevada or crossing the finish line first in a snowmobile race in Wyoming, her generous but competitive nature ensured that good times and laughter filled the lives of everyone around. She was also slyly lethal at the bowling alley, and an invitation to bowl meant preparing yourself to lose.

Always eager to support her community, Dorothy was a Representative for the City of Alpine's "Sister Cities" program with Japan. She rarely said no and worked tirelessly on countless school, civic, and charity fundraisers and projects to improve the lives of her friends and neighbors and those who needed a helping hand.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Laurence, and his wife, Debra; her grandchildren – Travis Guse (Stephanie), Jason and George Reinhart, and Jake Edwards. Her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, colleagues, and friends will remember her and the influence she had on their lives.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband and lifelong rock, Clarence. This love story has not ended; it has just moved on. Her daughter, Gay, and her husband, Mike Edwards, and their son, Luke; her parents, Mel and Mable Yost; her sister, Elva Encinas; her grandson, Aaron Reinhart; granddaughter-in-law, Trena Reinhart; and many in-laws from the close and dearly loved Reinhart family will join this special reunion.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dorothy's name would be appreciated by the family to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, 1950 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 or online at https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/67433/donate/1 .

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. on August 28, 2025, at the Sandpiper, 750 Lindsay Boulevard, Idaho Falls. There will be an opportunity to share stories and special memories. The Inurnment will take place the following day on August 29th at the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery in Idaho Falls. Anyone who wishes to say goodbye or share a memory is invited and welcome to attend these events. Cremation was under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.