Dorothy Mae Dobesh

Life’s journey came to an end for Dorothy Mae (Kimball) Dobesh on February 23, 2012.

She was the fifth of six children born to Bertie Frank and Mabel Clair (House) Kimball on May 1, 1918 on a farm outside of Berwyn, Nebraska.
Her family called her “Little Dubs” because she was so small.

She attended a one-room schoolhouse and delighted in sitting on the front bench with her older brother, Bill. She graduated from Ansley High School, where she was an outstanding student, excelling in writing, poetry and art.

During those years, the farm students were brought into town on Monday and returned to the farm on Friday. They either lived in a boarding house, or in Dorothy’s case she lived with the school Principal’s family and cared for the children to pay for room and board. She also had the ability to fix hair and earned 25 cents a head for fixing the teacher’s hair.

Dorothy and her sister, Gennie, were excellent runners and their father would take them around to county fairs, where they would always take first and second place in the races. It was with the money from these wins that she was able to buy her first store-bought dress, which she could describe in detail.

Dorothy was a composite of creative ability whether it was cooking, designing clothes, sewing, knitting, writing or organizing events. The golf course was named West Wind by her. She was also quite a good bridge player. She and Mary Hardessen were a formidable team.

She married Marius Emerson Dobesh on June 1, 1938. She joined “Dobe” in Ogallala. They were a handsome, hardworking couple. Three children came from that union, Karma Dee, James Dennis and Debra Joleen.

Dorothy worked with the Miss America Pageant and created many opportunities for self-improvement for young women. Dorothy helped with the Miss Ogallala Pageant as well as chaperoning Miss Nebraska at the Miss America Pageant. She served as a judge for many pageants throughout the states.

The United Methodist Church gave Dorothy the opportunity to express her faith, especially through the devotionals she gave for her circle.

She supported the community through many organizations. She felt strongly that everyone should work at making themselves better and reaching their full potential.

She is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister and her beloved husband of 71 years, “Dobe”. She leaves to mourn her passing, her children, Karma (Mark) Williamson of Spokane, Wash., James D. Dobesh of Denver, Colo., and Debra Dosek of Clemmons, NC; five grandchildren, Kristin Williamson (Bruce) Keeling, Wendy Williamson (Paul) Finster, Matthew (Keron) Williamson, Dan (Julie) Dosek and Drew Dosek; and seven great-grandchildren.

We all believe it has been a privilege and a blessing to be part of her life. Her family came first and she held true to her values and passed on those beliefs and values through example and respect. She showed great strength and grace throughout the past difficult years.

In accordance with Dorothy’s wishes, her body was cremated and internment will take place at a later date in the Ogallala Cemetery.

A donation may be sent to your favorite charity in memory of Dorothy.