Dorothy Mae Havens, age 90, passed away on October 13, 2018. She was born to Robert and Dorothy Crum on November 10, 1927, in Moore, MT. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorothy was a long time resident of Helena and truly considered this her home.
Dorothy was the only child of Robert and Dorothy Crum and was raised on a farm in Iowa. She met Jack C. Havens in Twin Falls, ID. They married in Elko, NV in 1952. They went on to raise four children, Pam, Connie, Debbie, and Sam. As their family grew they moved to a variety of different places including Kansas City, Missouri, Fairbanks Alaska and Twin Falls Idaho, until she and Jack moved their family to Helena in 1957. Helena soon became home and it remained this way.
Dorothy was a caregiver her entire life. She took care of everyone she could, helping both young and old. Caregiving was something that seemed to come naturally to Dorothy, helping her and Jack’s family in their times of need. She always wanted what was best for her own family working different jobs to help supplement the family’s income. She was always able to make the most out of the least the family had.
Dorothy’s compassion did not end with her family but she gave back to her community in many different ways. She offered her time to pregnant teens, youths, and seniors. She was a foster grandparent, senior companion, and aided individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Dorothy enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, travel, and gardening. Crocheting each grandchild, and great-grand child their own special blanket, finishing the last just in time. Her favorite pastime of all was baking for her many family members and friends. She would bake everyone’s favorite treats for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because.
Family was very important to Dorothy and she is survived by her three children, Pamela, Debbie and Sam (Kathleen); seven grandchildren, Bobby (Sherry), Libby, Michelle, Melissa (KC), Joe (Jessica), Tyson and Nick (Jessica); and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 65 years Jack, daughter Connie, her parents Robert and Dorothy Crum, and her in-laws Bert and Faye Havens.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of St Peter’s Hospital.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Avenue, Helena, Montana 59602 with a light lunch in the reception area to follow. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting: www.stjude.org. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dorothy.
Colleen Peterson says
Pam, Libby, Michelleand family,
I am so sorry to see this. I have fond memories of Dorothy, (Mrs Haven’s) -having her as a substitute teacher at St Mary’s grade school and one of my favorites – her promising to let me out of the basement if I would be good. She was truly one of kind that left memories in many hearts.
Love to you all
Colleen Peterson
Shannon says
I am so very sad to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was one of my favorite patients when I worked at the clinic. She was always a feisty one! She loved to tell me about what she was baking. I will miss her.
Shannon Bartole
Katie Spiroff says
Dorothy was a very dear friend . We shared stories, laughter and tears. Her support when she was a senior companion for my husband and me years ago was invaluable. Our friendship grew from there. She had a giving heart and a willing soul. I looked at the beautiful sunset the other night and thought of Dorothy and how she would have enjoyed it. I will miss you, my friend.
Charlene Deutscher says
Dorthy and I worked at the Florence Crittenton Home in Helena for many years, i have very fond memories of her and our one fun trip to Big Sky.
Gary Darlow says
I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing, it has been many years since I have had a chance to catch up with the family, you have my condolences.
Dennis Waldron says
My parents, Jack and Dorothy were good friends and neighbors. What a wonderful woman.
Michelle says
Thoughts and prayers to Dorothy’s family. She was my moms Senior Companion back in the 90’s. I can tell you how much her being there with our mom and family meant to us…Heaven has a new angel.
Michelle Anderson
RONDA M DAVIS says
Pam, Deb, Sam and Bob..so sorry to hear about your mom..she was a dear lady, always helpful..my prayers to you..
Cindy Baril says
Debbie & family,
Dorothy was such an inspiration of selfless giving as a Senior Companion & Foster Grandparent for us @ RMDC Senior Corps. I so enjoyed working with her. She was a dedicated volunteer & will be missed.
With sincere sympathy,
Cindy Baril
Deanna Cavanaugh Sandage says
Dorothy Mae was my first cousin. We did not keep in touch over the years. Her mom, my Aunt Dort as we called her, was a sister to my mom, Ethel Simonsen Cavanaugh. My memories of Dorothy Mae goes back to many years ago. Her family was very young when I remember them coming to Iowa to visit. It sounds like she was very like her mom, a very caring person. I always enjoyed their visits and wished they had lived closer over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve for Dorothy Mae. I would enjoy hearing from her family.
Rene O'Reilly says
Dorothy was always one of my favorite people…Connie & I gave her a run for her money, but she always kept up. She had one of the best sense of humor I’ve ever seen…she will be missed.
Cindy Starke says
To all the Havens and family, Dorthy was a sweet heart.i am sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers. Cindy Starke