Dorothea Mary Thorbergson, 87, passed away July 29, 2011, at Aspen Gardens in Helena.
The youngest of 13 children, “Dotte” was born Aug. 15, 1923, in a cabin in Paradise on the Clark Fork River to Jonathan R. and Mary A. (Walter) Sipes.
Dotte grew up in Camas Prairie and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1941. She helped on the family ranch until she moved to Helena where she met and married Roland Thorbergson June 16, 1951.
She attended the Helena Business College, worked for Eddy’s Bakery, Western Life Insurance Company, First National Bank as a bookkeeping supervisor and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Dotte and Ronnie owned and operated the U and I Club in East Helena, where they shared many memories with friends, including singer
Charlie Pride.
Dotte enjoyed life and loved to ride horses, hunt, fish and could be found camping on Hauser Lake with her family. She was a member of the East Helena VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Capital Carriage Car Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; an infant son; grandson, Billy Spurlock; her parents; and all of her siblings.
She is survived by her children, Irene (Ron) Stark, Paulene Cory, Dustie (Pat) Thorbergson, Sandee (Larry) McLaughlin, Nancy (David) Duel, Connie (Tim) Ferriter and Kelli (Russ) Kaufman; 22 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at First Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials in Dotte’s name may be made to Aspen Gardens Assisted Living.
Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to share a memory of Dotte.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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TRACY GROVE says
I love you Aunt Dottie. Say hi to my MAMA and Auntie Midge.
Shannon Melton- Clausen and family says
Aunt Dotte was a blessing for all of us, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Sandi, Nancy,Connie and Kelli, our hearts go out to you all and to your families.
Much Love;
The Melton Girls
Nelma MacDonald Mosier says
What a beautiful lady inside and out. I can’t even imagine my childhood without the Thorbergson family. I was always treated like one of the family and will forever be thankful. Rest in Peace Dotte.
Greg Smith says
“Happy Birthday” was the way we always greeted each other when we saw each other (Dotte and I shared the same birthday). This year will not be the same.
“Happy Birthday” Dotte. You will always be my companion on our birthday.
Marlene Longfellow says
Was sad to read of the passing of your mom. We shared good times at BCBSMT. Know you will miss her.
Marlene Longfellow says
Was sad to read of the passing of your mom. We shared good times at BCBSMT. Know you will miss her.
Pam Brown says
Dear Connie & Family ~
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for you at this time. Dottie was a wonderful lady and what a treasure of a friend she was.
May your mom rest in peace and be welcomed in Heaven by your sweet dad, Ronnie. Enjoy your memories of them both and may time heal your hearts.
May God Bless,
Pam & Charlie Brown
William Gehring says
Sorry to hear about your moms passing. She was a great person. Bill
Keith and Gail Hatch says
Dotte will be missed by all. I will miss her laughter and sense of humor. She was a special lady, and we are very sorry to see her go.
Our sincere condolences to Dave and Nancy and all of the family.
RICHARD WRIGHT says
DEAR PAULENE,
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOM’S PASSING. ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND FAMILY.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
What a great lady ,all will truley miss her laugh and wit.God Bless Dottie
Mary Brydich says
Nancy and Family – I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your siblings.
Lynda Sipes & Cheryl Owens says
Cheryl and I will always remember sitting beside her on the piano bench while she played. I was so fasinated with her beautiful red hair and gorgeous nails. As I look at the recent picture of her now, I see our beloved Auntie Midge and Grandma looking back at me. Sandi,Nancy,Connie and Kelli..We think of you all often and wish we could see each other more. Cheryl and I had just returned from a trip to Missoula two days before your Mom had passed. Know that you are all in our prayers!….Lynda