Dorothy Neal Harelson

Dorothy Neal Harelson, 94, of Leadville, Colo., died in Denver on February 22, 2025. She was born June 7, 1930, to Sidney Bishop Neal and Lucille Arnold Neal in Owensboro, Ky. She was preceded in death by her husband William Henry Harelson, her daughter Ann Cleveland Harelson, her parents, her brother Sidney A. Neal and her nephew Ted Neal.

Dorothy grew up in Owensboro as the only girl among her beloved brothers and cousins, referred to by her grandmother as a rose among the thorns. She graduated from Owensboro High School then moved to Lexington, where she earned a journalism degree at the University of Kentucky, was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and met Henry Harelson. She moved as a bride to Colorado where she and Henry raised their children.

A longtime resident of Leadville, Dorothy was actively involved in the community as a member of the Holy Family Parish, and served as an election judge for Lake County for many years. She held public officials accountable, attending countless hospital board and school board meetings. She was instrumental in keeping the public pool up and running through the 80's and 90's, and helped oversee the 2004 renovation of the pool. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Leadville University Women, and WAIMME.

Throughout her life she valued education, serving on School District accountability committees. Dorothy conscientiously attended parent/teacher conferences for all seven of her kids, encouraging and supporting all of them going to college. She supported other local students working with Leadville University Women's scholarship committee.

Dorothy was an avid skier, swimmer, bridge player and a storyteller. She has been missed by her many friends since moving to a lower altitude last year. Dorothy was always kind to others and showed it by accepting people as they are and offering encouragement and support to those in need. She was an adventurous traveler; 46 states, over 47 countries and at least 1 principality. She roamed the world with Henry, then continued her travels with dear friends after his death. She was famed for riding a zipline in Costa Rica at age 86.

She is survived by her children David Harelson of Webster, Massachusetts, Daniel Harelson (Laurie) of Pocatello, Idaho, Jane Harelson (Kris Husted) of Leadville, Stephen Harelson (Jan LeCocq) of Lakewood, Colorado, Thomas Harelson (Kristy) of Loveland, Colorado, Timothy Harelson of Leadville, Susan Harelson (Jeff Stahla) of Loveland; her brother Thomas Neal (Lucy) of Owensboro, Kentucky; her grandchildren Shawn and Erick Ropi, Nina Jones (Jacob) and Lia Harelson, Andrew and Lindsey Harelson, Emma, Henry, Jeremiah, Sidney and Isabel Harelson, Kate and Will Stahla; her great-grandchildren Elouise and Royal Jones; her nieces and nephews, August, Sid, Tony and Erich Neal, Lucy and Lee Anne Neal, Kate Thorpe and Rebecca Kissling; and numerous cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial to be held at Annunciation Church, 12:00 noon, Saturday, May 31.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pb Swims at Pbswims.org or PO Box 1724, Leadville CO 80461