Dorothy Maria Nelson

August 31, 1938 – Feb. 25, 2025

With her children by her side, Dorothy Nelson of Lovell passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, at Oxford Grand Living Center in McKinney, Texas. 

Dorothy was born in Fredonia, North Dakota, on August 31, 1938, to Jacob and Esther Schlecht. At a young age Dorothy moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, with her mother and siblings, where she grew up and attended school. 

It was in Aberdeen where she met the love of her life, Richard Nelson. They were married on November 3, 1956, and this union brought four children, Stuart, David, Patsy and Susan.

In 1965, the family moved from Aberdeen to Cowley, then moved to Lovell in 1967. Dorothy lived in Lovell until October of 2023, then she moved into Oxford Grand Living Center in McKinney.

While raising her family in Lovell, Dorothy worked for Dr. Henry Eskens, Big Horn County Public Health and the Lovell Chronicle as a proofreader. Dorothy was very involved in the community, serving on the Lovell Town Council, senior citizen board and many other community programs and projects. One of the projects she was most proud of was the mural on Main Street. 

She was an avid bridge player, loved dancing, bingo, helping at the Lovell Farmers Market and as everyone knows, keeping her yard in tip top condition. Dorothy loved greeting cards and would send them out to everyone, from congratulations on your big game to sorry you got hurt or just because.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, father Jacob Schlecht, mother Esther McKinney and brothers Norbert and Larry Schlecht.

Dorothy is survived by her four children, Stuart (Kathy) Nelson of Wheatland, Wyoming, David (Renee) Nelson of McKinney, Patsy Nelson of Oxford, Mississippi, and Susan (Brian) Green of Lovell; brother Arle (Norma) Schlecht of Hutchinson, Minnesota; sister Marilyn Harbuck of Bullhead City, Arizona; 11 grandchildren, Katie (Nate) Huyser, Nicole Nelson, David Nelson, Kylie (Chet) Selz, Niki (Brandon) Karlis, Eric Nelson, Shandi (Tino) Vasquez, Cassie (Eddie) Lallak, Kayla Green, Stephanie Green and Beau (Brooklynne) Green; seven great-grandchildren, Bryson and Riley Vasquez, Ethan Lallak, Findley and Hannah Huyser, Lily Selz and Beckham Green; and extended family Taylor Huckfeldt and Molly Rush.

A  Rosary will be held Thursday, March 6, from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a viewing/visitation from 6:30 to 8 p.m, both at Haskell Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. A burial will follow the service at the Lovell Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Rich. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Big Horn Senior Citizen Center are appreciated or to the charity of your choice.