Ruby Delores Dorsey

1930 - 2021

Dorsey, Ruby Delores

LITTLETON, Colo./MADISON - On Monday, March 29, 2021, Ruby D. (Watters) Dorsey passed away peacefully at age 90 surrounded by family. Ruby was born in Viroqua, Wis., on July 27, 1930, to Ronald and Dottie (Hayter) Watters.

Ruby grew up in Beloit, graduating from Beloit Memorial High School. Having later contracted tuberculosis, she was a resident of Rock County's TB Sanitarium. It was there she met and fell in love with another resident, Leo H. Dorsey of Janesville. Her plans to pursue an RN degree were put on hold as they were married Sept. 8, 1951. She was fully occupied in raising nine children over the next 30 years while working full-time, most of that time in or near DeForest, Wis.

Her children revered her for the sacrifice and generosity she demonstrated toward them and toward others. Later, when time allowed, she earned an associate degree in dental hygiene. Her lifelong dream to earn an RN degree was achieved from Edgewood College in 1985 at age 55. She then worked at the Central Wisconsin Center until retirement.

She was a big fan of the Packers and any Wisconsin sports teams. She closely followed the NFL careers of former Badgers standouts. She enjoyed birdwatching, especially the variety of hummingbirds at daughter Jackie's feeders. She also enjoyed listening to her collection of Irish music. Other fond memories include travel to Ecuador, Peru, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Morocco with dear friend, Carol Barry, to visit family, as well as a tour of Ireland. Family reunions in 2010 and 2020 to celebrate her 80th and 90th birthdays also brought her treasured memories.

Survivors include a sister, LaVera Delaney of Aurora, Colo.; and children, James (Barbara) Dorsey of Brooklyn, Wis., Joseph (Carol) Dorsey of Falls Church, Va., Stephen (Susan) Dorsey of Littleton, Colo., Robert (Jenny) Dorsey of Fort Atkinson, Wis., Theresa (James) Stephens of Allen, Texas, Jackie Dorsey of Littleton, Colo., and Christopher (Amy) Dorsey of Sedalia, Colo. She also enjoyed 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Leo; a twin son at birth; a daughter, Cathryn (Wayne) Tatusko of Annandale, Va.; a son, William (Linda) Dorsey of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters, Myrna, Eilene, Carol and Pam; and brothers, Harry and LaVerne.

A visitation and service will be held at LIVING WAY FELLOWSHIP on Tuesday, April 6 at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.

Ruby loved flowers, but, if you prefer, memorial donations may be made to the following charities Ruby actively supported: The Salvation Army, Boys Town and Feed the Children. Cards and flowers may be sent to Living Way Fellowship, 345 E. Wildcat Reserve Pkwy, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. A celebration of life will take place in Madison, Wis., sometime in the summer of 2021; details will be published at a later date.

Funeral services will be provided by Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel of Castle Rock, Colo.