Dorothy M. Shelton

Dorothy M. Shelton, 90, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2020, at Life Care Center of Casper.

She was born on December 17, 1929, in Elwood, Neb., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Helbert. Dorothy married Donald Lye in 1948, and together they moved their family of four children to Thermopolis in 1959. In 1964, Dorothy married Bernie Rowse and was blessed with a fifth child. Later, Dorothy married Sam Shelton, who preceded her in death in 2012.

Dorothy loved nature. She was a master gardener, loved feeding and watching birds, and enjoyed time camping and fishing in the Big Horn mountains. Even though she could not swim, Dorothy was an avid water skier, and spent many summers skiing all over Boysen Lake. A true homemaker, Dorothy loved to bake and cook. Making bread was her specialty, a talent that has been passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Family was very important to Dorothy. Her children describe her as loving, dedicated, supportive, and very hard-working.

Dorothy enjoyed living in and raising her family in Thermopolis. From the early days of working at the Pioneer Home, to volunteering as a cub scout leader, to owning and operating the Western Drive-In, to delivering meals-on-wheels into her 80s, Dorothy gained many friendships throughout life that she truly valued.

Even though we are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear mother, grandma Dottie, and friend, we are comforted knowing that she lived a fulfilled life, and is now in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Tom Lye of Casper, Tim (Eleanor) Lye of Madison, Ala., Ted (Monica) Lye of Boise, Idaho and Mike Rowse of Casper; daughter, Kim (Pat) McDonald of West Jordan, Utah; grandchildren, Michelle, Matt, Kevin, Adam and Ryan; and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held by her family in the near future.