Julia M. "Julie" Dorothy

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
at the Good Samaritan Sioux Falls Villages in Sioux Falls at the age of 93

Julia M. “Julie” McGrath was born September 23, 1917 in Wecota, South Dakota, the daughter of Alvia McGrath and Olive (Smith) McGrath. As a young child she moved with her parents to western South Dakota to her mother's homestead near Powell, in October 1919. She attended country school near her home for eight years. Due to drought and depression she went to work at an early age, working in the homes and businesses of people who needed homemaking assistance. In the 1940's she trained as a telephone operator and advanced to Chief Operator at the Philip Telephone Company prior to her marriage.
     Julie and Lester “Hap” Dorothy were married June 1 1943 in Temple, Texas where Hap was stationed at Fort Hood military base where he was serving as a sergeant in an Ordinance Maintenance Battalion at the time. After his discharge, Hap and Julie returned to Philip where Hap and his brother, Earl Dorothy, continued to own and operate several businesses in Philip. Hap passed away in November 1985.
     Julie was a constant support to Hap and took great pride in maintaining their home and raising their two sons, Grant and Charles. You could always find her at the baseball, football, basketball, and track events, usually driving one of the cars necessary to transport the players to and from the events, or manning the concession stands to raise money for the teams equipment needs.
     Julie was very proud of Philip and participated greatly in the civic events of the community. Almost every large happening would find her involved, most likely in the kitchen, cooking for large and small gatherings alike; or working with the American Legion or Senior Citizens Center where she was one of the original members and a reliable and active participant. 
     After Hap’s death on November 15, 1985, Julie moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to her sons and her grandchildren; living with her son Grant from 2002 until moving into the Good Samaritan Nursing home in February of 2010.
     Survivors include her two sons Grant E. Dorothy and Charles L. Dorothy (Donna) of Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren: Steve Dorothy, Ross Dorothy, Todd Dorothy (Diane), Alison Weber (Scott), Jocilyn Holm (Thad), Shaun Dorothy (Breanna) and Matt Dorothy; seven great-grandchildren: Colin, Erin, Landon, Preston, Chase, Graham and Savannah; a brother, Howard McGrath (Elinor) of Battle Mountain, Nevada; and a host of other relatives and friends.
     Graveside services were held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 26th, at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating. A public lunch followed at the Senior Citizens Center at noon.
     In lieu of flowers, a memorial, in memory of Julie, has been established to benefit the Bad River Senior Citizens Center in Philip, P.O. Box 636, Philip, SD  57567.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES
Saturday, February 26, 2011 - 11:30 a.m.
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

PALLBEARERS
Dorothy’s Grandchildren
Steven Dorothy - Todd Dorothy
Ross Dorothy - Alison Weber
Jacilyn Holm - Shaun Dorothy - Matthew Dorothy

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Dorothy’s Great-Grandchildren
Colin Dorothy - Erin Dorothy
Landon Weber - Preston Weber
Chase Holm - Graham Alexander
Savannah Dorothy

Service Details

Graveside services: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 26, at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Guest Book

What a lady, not enough can be said of Julie's dedication to family and friends.. How often I think of Julie taking the time to make sure everyone got to the game on time. What a LADY, loved by all... Grant, Charles, grand and great kids - our thoughts and prayers are with all of you...
   ~ Pat Seager Philip (2/23/2011)
Memories of a the most soft spoken, unassuming, kind hearted humanbeing I've ever known will be with me forever. I often visited Grandma in Philip as a child and have many a fond memory of her caring nature, and I remember how people received her - with smiles and a warm cup of tea or cofee, she loved to visit with everyone.
   ~ Ross Dorothy 3737 E Mission St, Sioux Falls, SD (2/23/2011)
Julie was one of those quiet, unassuming, efficient women we admire and aspire to be. I remember that nothing much frustrated her from mischievous little league boys to chaos in a church basement at a ladies' aid dinner. Cherish the memories that you all share. The greatest tribute we can pay to people we love is to remember them by telling "the stories".
   ~ Nancy Seager Ekstrum Green Valley, AZ (2/23/2011)
Charlie, Grant and Family, Your Mom was truly a jewel. I have never forgotten your Mom's countless hours driving us to games and the meals she prepared before games at your house. She was a true community person, whether it be for kids athletics, the town of Philip, the American Legion, the Bad River Senior Citizens, or her faith in God. She was a kind and gentle servant, but she would let you know her mind. My prayers go out to you and for her eternal rest. Her time of suffering on Earth is over and now must surely be enjoying her just reward.
   ~ Joe Gittings Philip, SD (2/23/2011)
DEAR Charlie and Grant -- my deepest sympathies on the death you your mother. She is now in a better place with God. Sincerely George Hahn
   ~ George Hahn 647 S Main, SFSD 57104 (2/23/2011)
Charlie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, I never had the pleasure of meeting your parents but remember some of the fond memories you shared with us
   ~ Thomas Graham 800 E 14th Str. Sioux Falls (2/23/2011)
Hi Grant and Charles -- just wanted to send a message of sympathy to your family in the loss of your mother, I remember Julie as I was growing up in Philip -- she was a friend of my mom and just one of the nice moms we all took for granted in Philip. Weren't we all lucky to grow up there and to have not only our own parents but everyone else's to "guide" us.
   ~ Joel Husband Peterson Faith, SD (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie (and familes) we are sorry for the lose of Aunt Julie but know she lived a great life and will be missed by all of us our prayers and thoughts are with you Love Diane and Jerry
   ~ Jerry and Diane Engelson 635 BirchCourt Battle Mountain Nevada (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie and all we are very sorry about the lose of Aunt Julie and will miss her very much thoughts and prayers to all of your familes
   ~ Gordon and Sherrie Hunt 655 Oak Cout Battle Mountain Nevada (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie, we are sorry about Aunt Julie, but know she had a good life. We have wonderful memories of her at many many family gatherings we loved her and will miss her greatly Love to all Diane and Jerry
   ~ Jerry and Diane Engelson 635 Birch Court Battle Mountain Nevada (2/23/2011)
Aunt Julies was one the most loving and most loved person I know I spent hours with her growing up and will never forget gardening and fishing and just playing cards with her our deepest sympathy to your familes
   ~ Brain and Samme and Breven Engelson Battle Mountain Nevada (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie my Aunt Julie was like another Grandma to me and I will miss her I spent alot of time at her house while we lived in So. Dak Our Prayers are with you Jerome
   ~ Jerome, Katrina, Ryan, Kaylen, Macyn, Elijah Engelson Elko Nevada (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie, we are very sorry about Julie, but we know she is better off now. She was my sister and my mother for which I am forever grateful for, I have so many too many memories to talk about. All our love Uncle Howard and Aunt Elinor
   ~ Howard and Elinor McGrath Battle Mountain Nevada (2/23/2011)
Aunt Julie was one of the funniest people to be with. I have so many memories of her. She will be missed by so many. Love to all Teri
   ~ Teri, Chris, and Mikey Spring Battle Mountain, Nevada (2/23/2011)
SORRY TO HEAR OF MRS JULIE'S PASSING THRU THE VEIL. NO DOUBT MY GRANMA DOROTHY, LAVINA, WILL BE VISITING WITH HER AS THEY REJOYCE AND ANOTHER OF THE DOROTHY CLAN COMIN HOME. MEY THE LORD BLESS FAMILY AND FRIEDS OF JULIE WITH COMFORT AT THIS TIME. BOB AND PHYLLIS HELLER
   ~ BOB HELLER 3021 W OMAHA, RAPID CITY S D 57702 (2/23/2011)
Charlie and Grant and familes Please know our prayers are with you and know we will never forget Aunt Julie she was a loving wonderful person we will miss her greatly Love Clair and Lyle
   ~ Clair and Lyle Hamilton 680 Brent Drive Battle Mountain Nevada (2/23/2011)
I'll always remember Julie in church. I remember taking my youngest daughter, Halli to our church Bible Study. We always had a good time with your mom. What wonderful memories of her. May God hold you in the palm of His hands as you remember her love of faith, family and friends. Love & Prayers Debbie
   ~ Debbie & Marty Hansen Philip (2/23/2011)
Charlie and Grant and Families: I am very sorry to hear of Julie's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you now. She was a great lady and will be missed. I remember her fixing us a snack, Charlie, after we played basketball at your house in high school. - Matt
   ~ Matt Schofield Philip, SD (2/23/2011)
Aunt Julie was a sweet lovely person, we have lots of stories to remember her by. God bless her heart! You boys can be proud of your Mother. Sending our love.
   ~ Jerry and Joan Cross 20 Park Lane, Buffalo, WY 82834 (2/23/2011)
I will miss coming to visit you at the nursing home. Was glad of the time I got to help you out in Grant's home.You will all way's be a special person in my heart.My thoughts are with Grant and Charles. I will stop to see pup and give him peanutbutter for you.Love Lorna
   ~ Lorna Prunty Sioux Falls (2/23/2011)
Charlie and Grant, my sincere sympathy. My thoughts are with you.

Eli
   ~ Larry Eliason PO Box 732, Pierre, SD 57501 (2/23/2011)
I will remember Julie as the "arm-chair traveler". She would read of different places she dreamed of visiting ...as well as the ones she did get to. Eternal rest to you Julie; peace to Grant and Charles.
   ~ Sharon Liverpool, NY (2/23/2011)
As a child, I always thought Great Aunt Julie's smile was so beautiful. To all her family, may your many memories of her comfort you and bring her near.
   ~ Darlene Velder Fort Collins, Colorado (2/23/2011)
Grant & Charles, Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your Mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St Sturgis, SD (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie, we can only hope that we will make half the wonderful impact on peoples' lives that your mother made on all of us as kids that spent time at your house playing until after dark. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
   ~ Kent Kennedy Rapid City (2/23/2011)
Grant and Charlie: Not enough can ever be said about the countless hours your mom spent on the road taking us to games, feeding us and putting up with a full car of screaming kids. It took a special kind of person to do this. I will always remember her as telling us we will be just a few minutes late. What a lady!!
   ~ Mike Hart Emerado, ND (2/23/2011)
Farewell to my favorite Aunt. May God receive and bless you. Our second mother while we were growing up. Grant and Charles always remember the fun times.
   ~ Dorie Baker Velder Fowler, CO (2/23/2011)