Dorothy Gawne Coslet, age 90, stepped into the arms of the Lord on October 3, 2014 after a short and unexpected illness.
Dorothy was born February 18, 1924 in Amherst, Ohio, She attended Amherst Public Schools and graduated in 1942. She earned a B.A. degree from the L.I.F.E Foursquare Bible College in Los Angeles, California in 1946 and later met the qualifications for her Doctor of Theology degree. In 1947 she married Walter A. Coslet and moved to Helena, Montana.
During her first 10 years in Helena she worked as a social worker for the State Welfare Department, helping those less fortunate in the community and taking in several foster children. Later, she found her true calling working at Volume One Christian Bookstore for over 40 years. Dorothy was also the author of the book Madame Jeanne Guyon, Child of Another World, which is still in print.
The name “Dorothy” means “Gift of God”, and she certainly was. Always cheerful, always encouraging, Dorothy truly loved people. She found great joy in the Lord and shared that joy with generations of Helena families at Volume One. She was always pleased when parents she knew as children would bring their children into the store.
Dorothy stayed active and vital well into her 90th year. She sold her bookstore in February 2014, and intended to spend her time writing stories for children. She remained charming and witty up to the end of her life, and she enjoyed spending time with the caring staff of Frontier Home Health and Elkhorn Nursing Home in Clancy.
She is survived by her three sons, R. Tim Coslet, Ralph Coslet and Rodric Coslet, all of Helena, as well as her sister, Norma Sexton, of Amherst, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, her parents, Edward and Edythe, her sisters, Margaret, Betty, Alice, and Lois, and her brother Robert.
A private graveside service was held on October 8, 2014 with her close friend, Rev. Tom Banks officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made to the Montana Historical Society – Montana Heritage Center Campaign. 225 N. Roberts, Helena, MT 59601. Cards for the family can be sent to P. O. Box 6, Helena, MT 59624. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dorothy.
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Dan and Mary Hoyrup says
We were so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lisa A. Smeaton says
Rob and Family, Sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Mothers are special and your memories of her will sustain you through this sad time. Sincerely, Lisa
Kelly and Connie (Sands) Jerome says
Ah, such a bittersweet notice – We loved to visit with Dorothy every time we went to the Christian Book Store – She was such an amazing woman, We loved to hear her share some of the history she held with in her heart. Our thoughts are with the family and we join you in the fact we will too, see her again one day — Enjoy your reward Dorothy. Much love and Many prayers. Connie
B. Richards McIntyre says
Rodric, Tim and Ralph: Please accept my condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother, Dorothy. I always felt as if Dorothy was almost a second mother to me. She was always so kind and caring and always had a genuine interest in what was going on in my life when we would sit and talk together. I first met Dorothy when I was around 10 or 11 years old and have loved her ever since. Some of my best memories as a youngster involve Dorothy, Walter, Ralph and my very good friend who I grew up with, Rodric. Please know I am thinking of you all and you all will always have a friend in me. Never hesitate to contact me if you need to or want to talk about anything. Ralph, I haven’t seen you in years but I do hope you’re doing great and that you and Tim and Rodric keep up the grand legacy of ‘The House On The Hill’. I loved your parents home from the minute i first walked in and saw it and I imagine you are all very thankful to have such a beautiful and very historic home. I hope to see you all get together and restore it to it’s original grandeur! Take care guys and please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful and beautiful mother. Dorothy was one of the most genuine and beautiful Human Beings I have ever had the pleasure to know. Love and Blessings to you all. Yours Always – Brian R. McIntyre
Thomas Sullivan says
I happened to be thinking about Dorothy as I always do when I visit this area from Grand Rapids MI. For years she was my friend from before I moved to Michigan in 1988. I spent hours at the book store and always found some great deals on books. When we passed through Helena, MT. in 1995 on our way to our honeymoon, I even took my new bride in to introduce her to Dorothy and every year we stopped in when I would come to this area to visit my folks. She was not there the last time I was here in 2012, but I still made my visit to the book store. I found this page this morning because she was on my mind, but I knew by now she must be with our Lord. Thanks for letting me share these memories about my friend!