Dorothy Gefeller
Choteau —Dorothy Mae Gefeller, 94, passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wed, Sept. 25, at TMC Extended Care. Funeral services are Mon, Sept 30, at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation is Sunday 5-7 p.m. at Gorder Jensen Funeral Home.
Dorothy was born March 29, 1919 in Great Falls to Glenn and Mabel (Talifson) Barnhill. As a child she traveled to many states due to the fact that her father was an oil driller. While living and attending school in Choteau, she spent a lot of time at the Talifson homestead. Dorothy graduated from high school in Kalispell. She met and married Bill Gefeller in Couer D' Alene, ID. They returned to Choteau in 1946 where they lived the rest of their lives. Dorothy worked as a dental assistant and waitress until together they purchased the "Antler Bar". After Bill's death in 1973, she sold the bar and retired. Dorothy had many friends with whom she always enjoyed swapping stories about the "old days" over a good cup of coffee. She was a shining example of life well-lived. One of her greatest achievements was her family which she dearly loved. They all loved her and each other. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; son, Roger in 1963; stepson, Billy; granddaughters, Tracy and Tabitha; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Survivors include her daughters, Yvonne Paulsen of Conrad; Karen (Jim) Carlson and Debbie (Richard) Anderson both of Choteau; a son, Johnny Anderson of Hawaii; "adopted" daughter, Sandy (Jim) Hodgskiss of Choteau; grandchildren, Roger (Wendy) Paulsen of Conrad and Dan (Debbie) Paulsen of Boise, Traci (Adam) Woith and Shelby (Ron) Daley both of Choteau, Keith Anderson and Jer Anderson both of Choteau and Kelli (Clint) Berlin of Power, Tawna Baker of Hawaii, Terri Anderson of West Virginia, and Scott Gefeller; 29 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Brandy. She was lovingly called "Grandma Great" by all her great grandchildren because she truly was a "great" grandma! Dorothy would often say when the whole family would get together "Look what I started!" She will be greatly missed.
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6 Entries
Thoughts and prayers to your family. Dorothy was a very special lady who always made me smile! Love to you all.
Alicia Dailey
September 30, 2013
You are my grandma by blood, I wish I knew you, I'm so sorry that when I became a woman ,i dident make the effort to come to you and know you. I know now that my fear of not being raised with you was silly, you would have welcomed me with open arms, now its too late, but I promise you I will get to know my family, and through them I will know you, and I know you will be waiting for me when I am called home. I LOVE YOU GRANDMA DOROTHY, your grandaughter Terri
Terri Anderson
September 29, 2013
The Master needed another flower in the Master's Bouquet. May Dorothy rest in peace.
Andrea Boone
September 29, 2013
We love and miss you so much. You eere a true inspiration to me and my girls and i will always remember all your great advice as i go through the rest of my life. Your wise words wull continue to be pasted down to myvgirls and im sure to their children in the future. Thank ypu for always being there there for me especially in my wild days. Love you tons and forever.
Kelli Berlin
September 29, 2013
I have many memories of Dorthy when I worked for her at the Antler. A great and honest lady. I always enjoyde talking with her about those days.
She said she will always miss Roger but will raise three good girls.
My sympathy to Yvonne, Karen and Debbie.
Al Lindseth
September 29, 2013
Best wishes and sincere condolences to the family in your time of grief
Pete wipf
September 29, 2013
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