Dorothy Mae (Sanderson) Johnson passed away of natural causes November 15, 2020 at
Sweet Memorial Home in Chinook, MT at the age of 83.
Dorothy was born to Clifford and Beatrice (Martinson) Sanderson on May 27, 1937 in Grafton, ND. She was later joined by brothers Duane in 1940 and George in 1946. She attended Nowesta School District #47 and Morrison School District #13 through the eighth grade and went on to attend high school at Bowesmont High in Bowesmont, ND, graduating as valedictorian in 1955. Dorothy received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota in 1962. She taught junior and senior high mathematics in Willow City, ND, Veblen, SD, and Hinsdale, Nashua and Whitewater, MT. While in Whitewater, she organized the Whitewater Chapter of National Honor Society, Veteran’s Day programs, Awards Banquets, school plays, Graduation Tea and County Spelling Bees. After retirement from the Whitewater School in 1988, Dorothy worked as a substitute teacher in area schools and taught half-time at Glasgow High School in 1990-1991.
Dorothy met John Keith Johnson of Hinsdale, MT in the spring of 1962 when she came to Whitewater to fill a teaching vacancy. Keith and Dorothy were married December 22, 1962 in Drayton, ND. Together they raised their children, Tom, Mary, and Linda on their farm/ranch north of Saco.
Dorothy was a teacher through and through and was always willing to take the time to help anyone needing extra help with math or writing. She cared for her students long after they were no longer in her classroom and became good friends with many in their adult life. She was very smart and very giving of herself and her time. She believed in being a lifelong learner and loved technology and mastering new skills. Dorothy loved to crochet, read, visit with friends and family, play cards, write poems, tell jokes, and work on genealogy. Countless hours were spent building her family tree and helping others to learn more about their own family history. She embraced her Norwegian heritage and shared it with her loved ones. She made trips to Norway to visit relatives and see where her history began.
Her grandkids were truly her pride and joy. Every year they would receive a custom made, one-of-a-kind birthday card with one of her witty poems inside. Dorothy enjoyed keeping up with local sports long after her kids and grandkids were no longer involved.
She was preceded in death by infant daughter Julie Ann (1964), daughter Mary (1988), husband Keith (1992), and her parents Clifford (1981) and Beatrice (1998).
She is survived by her son Tom (Linda) Johnson and family: Frank & Alexsandra Weiderrick (Titus, Tanner & Taya), Louie & Jessica Oyler (Oden & Ozzie) all of Malta, MT; daughter Linda (Miles) Hutton and children Guy, Lyndsay & Reece of Turner, MT; brothers Duane (Pat) Sanderson of Hastings, MN and George (Marlane) Sanderson of Moorhead, MN; aunt Leila Lehman of Rugby, ND , uncle Wendell (Janice) Martinson, and very good friend of many years, Dorothy Barton of Saco, MT.
Viewing will be December 3, 2020 at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, MT from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held December 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hinsdale Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Hillview Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Whitewater Math Program, a Lutheran church of your choice, or to donor’s choice. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Viewing
8:00 a.m. to 5:00
Thursday December 3, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South 412 3rd Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 4, 2020
Hinsdale Lutheran Church
Hinsdale , Montana 59241
Service Schedule
Viewing
8:00 a.m. to 5:00
Thursday December 3, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South 412 3rd Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 4, 2020
Hinsdale Lutheran Church
Hinsdale , Montana 59241
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Bart & Michelle Balfour says
Linda, we are so sorry about your mom. She was a wonderful lady, always so kind and good natured, putting up with Bart’s teasing & giving it back to him! Thinking of you all during this difficult time & wishing you comfort.
Kirsti says
Max and I will surely miss her jokes. She always had a good joke ready when I stopped to see her.
We didn’t know Dorothy until she had come to visit with her kids, but she always made you feel like you were old friends. Rest in peace my friend.
Tricia K says
What a gem of a soul. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew and loved her.
Julie says
Your mom was a special lady that raised a wonderful family! She had a quick wit that made everyone smile. So very sorry for your loss.
Valerie Tucker says
Such a big spirit and heart…It’s so hard to imagine her being gone. She will always have a very special place in our hearts and memories. Love you guys.
Julie Johnson says
Linda – I am was sorry to hear about your mom passing. She was such a gem of a human. Kind, full of light and had that silly norwegian humor. My condolences for your loss. I am think of you all.
JoAnn Hammond says
Tom & Linda and families- Your Mom was a wonderful person with generous heart and hearty laugh!
She was so full of school spirit and always kept class fun!
We are so sorry for your loss and pray your memories bring you comfort!
Howie & JoAnn
Sara (Ross) Williams says
Tom and Linda,
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Mother. We will always remember Dorothy and the times we shared with her and your Dad and you kids. Your folks were wonderful friends and we hope your happiest memories bring a smile to you and all your family.
Forever, John and Nadine Ross
Tom and Linda,
Your parents were awesome people. I wanted to share that Dorothy gave me some precious advice when I was pregnant with my first baby. She advised me to talk out loud to my child as I carried as if a person in the room and also to speak to him/her after birth with full, correct sentences. Your Mom was a special lady who always taught without preaching and I will always remember this kind, quality gift that she gave me and my children.
Sara (Ross) Williams