Dr. Dawn Ann Dutka of Newland NC, 60, passed from this life into God's eternity on April 13, 2023. Heaven got brighter when Dawn was greeted by Jesus and her five dogs.

Dawn was born on July 20, 1962, to Walter and Rheva Sellars Dutka in Hickory NC. Dawn attended Beech Mountain Elementary School in North Carolina and Loudonville High School in Loudonville, Ohio. Dawn received her associate in arts degree at Lees-McRae College, both her bachelor's degree and master's degree at Appalachian State University. She later obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at NC State University.

Dawn had various jobs in not only the veterinary field, but also in the education field. Her work experiences also included working at Samaritan's Purse and a law firm in Boone. She taught English at Lees-McRae College as an adjunct professor. Dawn did veterinary work at different clinics, and also taught in veterinary tech programs in both Tennessee and New York. Dawn Dutka had very strong faith throughout her life, even though she faced a lot of adversity with her health in her later years. Dawn was involved in several churches including First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, TN, where she volunteered and also contributed food for outreach programs. She also attended High Country United Church of Christ in Vilas and Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk.

Dawn is remembered as a person who enjoyed the outdoors, especially the mountains from North Carolina to Alaska. She also loved visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her love of animals, which led her to a career in veterinary medicine, was exemplified by the many pets she had in her home over the years. Dawn also enjoyed music, writing and poetry, growing plants, a good movie and spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her mother Rheva Dutka of Loudonville, Ohio; sibling Jim Dutka (Melinda) of Oklahoma City, OK; nephews, Nickolaus and Joseph and one niece, Olivia, her aunts Judy, Betty, Lillian and Kathy and many cousins. She will be missed by her beloved dog Salome and her cat Leo. Dawn was also blessed to have many wonderful friends in her life who will cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avery County Animal Support, PO Box 1313, Newland, NC 28657.

A celebration of life was held Saturday April 29th at 2:00 pm at Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden in Banner Elk, NC.

Online Condolences may be sent to the Dutka family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.