Dorothy Ruth (Otten) Petersen

Dorothy Ruth (Otten) Petersen, age 85, of Helena, passed away August 11, 2011 in Helena.

Dorothy was born on September 18, 1925 in Helena, Montana to R.E. “Mike” Otten and Ruth Smith Otten. She attended the rural Austin school during her elementary grades and graduated from Helena High School in 1945. She lived in Helena all her life.
Dorothy married Howard Petersen on May 18, 1947 on the family home on Hollins Ave. in Helena. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage together before Howard’s passing on May 17, 1999.

Dorothy’s career was her family. She and Howard raised 5 lovely daughters and some of their fondest memories are of their truly unique adventures together. She was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard; and a daughter, Evelyn. She is survived by her daughters, Alice Street of Portland, OR, Jean Taylor of Kent, WA, Ileen Yuhas of Helena, MT, and Vicky Menager of East Helena, MT; a sister, Joy Shellenberg of Bozeman, MT; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sister-in-laws; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Service is set for 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with a reception to follow the service at the church. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dorothy, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.