Dorothy Traeholt passed away on September 28, 2023 in Billings MT. at the age of 91Dorothy was the 6th of 7 children born to Irl and Caroline (Carrie) Cosby in Spokane, WA, on January 21, 1932. She graduated top of her class at North Central in Spokane in 1950. While working in Spokane she met and married Arne Traeholt. Soon after, they moved to Whitefish, MT, where they started a business and started a family. In 1954, they moved to Wolf Point. The vast, treeless prairie of Eastern Montana was such a stark contrast to the lush, garden-like state in which she grew up, that she made Arne promise he would not bury her there! But it didn’t take Dorothy long to fall in love with the people and the area of Wolf Point! They would live there for 58 years.Dorothy was active in her church, teaching Sunday School and leading women’s Bible studies. She was a volunteer at Frontier Elementary School and Friends of the Library. She bowled and golfed on women’s leagues, and when her children were all in school, she went to work for Arne’s accounting practice.After she received a sewing machine from her father-in-law, Dorothy wasted no time in mastering the machine and honing her designing skills. Besides school clothes, she made prom dresses, and cheerleading and twirling uniforms for her 4 daughters. Not one to sit idly, Dorothy spent quiet hours crocheting, embroidering and doing other needlework.Dorothy’s sharp wit and cleaver way with words was known to many in the poems she wrote for friends and family, commemorating special- and not so special (toilet paper shortage) –occasions. When she moved to The Springs Assisted Living in Billings, her writing talent was kept active recording the events and staff at her new home. The faculty even collected several of her poems and had them published. Her mind was kept keen by crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and she remained clear minded until the very end.Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Arne, her son Alan, her parents and siblings.She is survived by her daughter-in-law Karen Traeholt of Bismarck, ND, daughter Kay (Robert) Snyder of Burnett, TX, daughter Karen (Gary) Jeide of Wolf Point, daughter Kim (Tim) Klasna of Lambert, daughter Karla Traeholt (Robin Martinez) of Billings, 11 wonderful grandchildren and 15 perfect great-grandchildren.
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Don & Kathy Steppler says
Kim, Tim and family,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. It is never easy to loose a parent, we both know this. If there is anything we can do to help, please just say the word. All our Love and Sympathy, Don & Kathy
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Our condolences to all of Dorothy’s family and friends. She sounds like a woman who lived a good life.
Laurie Stolen Suppes says
“Though gone from our sight, loved ones are never gone from our hearts.”
Condolences & prayers to your family.
Lyla Law says
Karen and Gary,
You’re in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love and miss you guys.
Bill and Lyla Law
R.J. & Arlene Doornek says
Dear Karen, Gary and Family of Dorothy,
I know that in the midst of your grief you will all find comfort and solace in knowing that our heavenly Father has called His faithful servant, Dorothy, to her forever home. Along with her beloved Arne, they join their deceased family, friends, and relatives at the heavenly banquet table. What a grand celebration! We will remember Dorothy for her quiet and unassuming good nature, always quick with an endearing and inviting smile. She and Arne raised a beautiful and productive family, models of hard work and Christian values. What a valuable legacy left to their grandchildren, as well! So, we all bid our beloved, Dorothy, farewell, and comfort each other with the words, ” Rejoice and be glad”.