Dorothea June “Dot” Gilbert, age 89, of Helena passed away at her home in Helena, May 31, 2025. Dorothea was born Dorothea Sass. She was a native of Montana. Dot was born in Winston, Montana April 6, 1936, to Michael and Josephine Marie (Diehl) Sass
She went to school in Townsend for a time and when her family moved to Helena Dot became a Helena High Bengal, attending and graduating from Helena High School in 1954. She met the love of her life Bill Gilbert in high school, they became sweethearts and were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helena August 4, 1956.
Bill and Dot resided in Helena their entire life, Bill was a coach and teacher in the Helena School District. Bill coached basketball, track and cross country. Dot was his right-hand woman and traveled with the team in all its games and meeting.
Two children were born to this marriage, Son, Kelley and daughter Kristy. Both reside in Helena as well. When Kelley was coaching cross country for Helena High, Bill and Dot were the water boy and girl, they loved the sport and the kids that ran. They were at every practice and every event.
In addition to helping Bill with all his coaching endeavors, Dot also worked for the school district. She worked at Ray Bjorke for several years. Dot’s passion was shopping and buying. She is also a lover of the sun. She spent many hours enjoying her deck and the sunshine and had a beautiful tan to show for it.
During her working career, Dot worked for Mountain Bell Telephone for a period of 10 years and for the Helena School District for 27 years prior to retirement.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Michael Sass and Josephine (Diehl) Sass (Guffey); brothers, Mike Sass and Edward Mantel; sisters, Mary Jane Anstine, Judy Zuroff and Annabelle (Muggs)Bridgewater.
She is survived by her husband, William Arnold “Bill” Gilbert; daughter, Kristy Gilbert and son, Kelley Gilbert all of Helena.
No formal funeral ceremony will be held at this time. Her cremation arrangements were made through Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena. Memorials in Dot’s name are suggested to a charity or organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Sheri Muller says
Mr. Gilbert, Kelley and Kristy,
So sorry to hear about Dot. I have so many memories growing up and spending time with your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sheri Strandberg Muller
Helen Diehl Hoffman says
Kristy and Kelley,
Your family has been in my prayers for a long time. Memories of good times past are a gift that are ours to keep.
Dot is at peace. God Bless.
Helen Diehl Hoffman
Mary T. Spaulding says
Dear Mr Gilbert and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your wonderful Dot. My son, Corey Hill, loved the times he spent with you when he ran cross country for Helena High and my son Michael and I knew Dot from Ray Bjork when he went to school there. I really enjoyed the visits we used to have. She was such a beautiful person and she will be missed by so many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary, Corey and Mike