Lillian Robin Dodich

Robin Dodich passed away peacefully at home in Arvada, Colorado on January 10, 2026, with family at her side.

She was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma, to Oran Lee and Leslie Dorothy (Kern) Bettes. She graduated from Pawnee High School in 1956 where she lettered in marching band; she received her BME degree from Oklahoma State University and later earned her MA degree in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado.

Shortly following graduation from OSU she moved to Arvada to teach in the Jefferson County Schools. For 11 years, she dedicated her summers to serving as a counselor and band director at Camp Waldemar for Girls in Hunt, Texas. She spent most of her full-time teaching career at Weber Elementary School in Arvada — first as a music teacher then an elementary classroom teacher for grades four through six. One of the highlights of her career was co-authoring the geography curriculum for Jefferson County Schools. Robin frequently received recognition for her accomplishments as a teacher and she also received many treasured letters of gratitude from past students and their parents.

Robin was an accomplished trombone player, and her lifelong love of music lead her to co-found Colorado’s popular Sentimental Sounds Swing Band. Robin’s deep intellectual curiosity drove her to travel to multiple countries across the globe, with friends and with her loving husband of 42 years, Nicholas Anthony Dodich. Throughout her life Robin was a proud supporter of several humanitarian causes important to her, and as an active member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) she was particularly passionate about supporting college educational opportunities for women. Robin was also known for her famously sharp wit.

Robin had a positive impact on thousands, including those she taught, audiences of her swing band performances, and her many friendships.

She was predeceased by husband Nick, her parents, sisters Dottie and Norma, and brother Jerry. She is survived by her brother Ted Bettes and sister-in-law Suzi of Mason, Ohio, as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews around the country and countless friends who will miss her every day. Robin valued her relationships with all and the many good memories of being together.

Most recently, Robin lived at The Gardens on Quail, where she was well cared for by the terrific staff, as well as AMG hospice, her nephew Shane Boyd and niece Leslee Boyd, and close friends.

Visitation will be held at Horan & McConaty Funeral Services Wednesday, January 21, from 4 to 6:30 pm at 7577 W. 80th Ave in Arvada; a reception for family and friends will be from 5:30 to 7 pm at Horan & McConaty.

Services will be held at Horan & McConaty, Thursday, January 22 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 1 pm.