Dorothy Dobrenz

On November 6, 2023, Dorothy Dobrenz peacefully passed away at the home of Don and Sharon Reynolds. She was 92 years old.

Dorothy's life began in Staten Island, New York, where she was born to John and Josephine Barnes. This was during the time of the great depression where she would eventually share her stories with her children so they would realize how fortunate they were to have food on the table and clothes to wear. It was there in Staten Island where she met her soon-to-be husband, Charles. Unknowingly, she would pass by his construction site on her way to work at a venetian blind store. He eventually found her place of work and would step in to say hi and then finally asked her out. The rest was history. They married in 1951 and lived at Fort Dix naval facility, New Jersey until his term was over. This brought them to Sheridan, Wyoming, to meet Charles' parents. Charles was offered work in Billings, Montana, where they ended up planting their seeds and raised their family together for the next 60+ years. He always said he would bring her back to New York, but years went by, and he did but only to visit. Dorothy would then call Montana her home.

Dorothy moved to Lafayette, Colorado in 2014 to be near her family, which would become the center point of family gatherings. In a short while, the Affinity Senior Living was where she met her many friends joining them at happy hours, potlucks and just sitting around living a simple life.

Dorothy was witty and fun. She had a beautiful smile for all to see. She always had a place at the table for anyone who might unexpectantly show up at dinner. She loved children and spent many of her early years babysitting where those children would feel like family, too. Dorothy liked to dance even when she had back problems. She sang to country music and would often participate in karaoke at the Affinity events. Her housekeeping was meticulous, even during the years of Charles' constant home improvements.

Dorothy slowly lost her eyesight to Macular Degeneration and the last two years she was diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's Disease. It was then she needed extra assistance, so she moved into her daughter's home in Ormond Beach, Florida where Don and Sharon Reynolds gave Dorothy the best care one could imagine, keeping her comfortable during this last stage of her life. She had so much pain throughout her body amongst other ailments that come with age. We believe she stayed with us as long as she could while her children traveled to be by her side one last time. Dorothy had led a full life and left us all with so many memories. She was ready to go.

Dorothy will join her husband, Charles Dobrenz, her daughter, Joan Dobrenz and recently her granddaughter, Pamela Reynolds in their final resting place.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Sharon Reynolds (Don), Carol Mulhollam (Bill), Kim Pyott (James) and sons Bill Dobrenz (Monica), Don Dobrenz (Heather), and David Dobrenz. Her grandchildren, Joanie, Chris, Denis, Daniel, Tanner, Taylor and Caleanna. Her great grandchildren Audrey, Olive, and Joseph.

We invite you to celebrate her life with us on Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00 am at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Avenue, Billings, MT, 59101. The celebration will include lunch, prayers, and the sharing of her lifelong memories.