Obituary of Dorothy Stolee

Dorothy Evelyn Stolee passed away on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 12, 2014, at the age of 98 years. Dorothy was the third child in a family of seven children born to Henry and Mina Johnson. She was born on July 29, 1916, at the family farm near Donalda, Alberta. She grew up on the farm, attending Norbo School. In 1940, she married Pastor Selmer Stolee. Together they served parishes in Fairy Glen, Saskatchewan; Bawlf, Alberta; New Westminster, BC; and Provost, Alberta. As a Pastor's wife, Dorothy played an active part in the ministries to the congregations they served. Dorothy played piano and organ, taught Sunday School, was involved in Ladies Aid, prepared baptismal and wedding certificates, took part in pastoral visits to congregation members and bereaved families, and had many other roles. She did this while raising a large family - for many years in houses without indoor plumbing, running water or electricity - and growing large gardens. When Selmer retired in 1973, they returned to live on the farm near Donalda where Dorothy had grown up, only a half-mile from the farm where Selmer was born. Dorothy and Selmer were able to spend many relaxing years on the farm, welcoming children and grand-children for visits and family gatherings. Dorothy's home-baked cookies, buns, and lefse have become the stuff of legend. For the past several years, Dorothy lived in Sunrise Village in Camrose, saying often, "I'm in a good place". The family is very grateful for the excellent care she received from the Sunrise Village staff, and from Dr. Valerie Smith. Dorothy is remembered as a kind, patient and gentle soul, who walked "humbly with God". She loved spending time keeping in touch with her family, and could be counted on to know where everyone was, and what they were up to. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Selmer; her brothers Clifford and Norman; her sisters Inez and Doris; and sons-in-law Jim Bridge and Bernie Keller. She is lovingly remembered by her children Carolyn Stolee, Ruth Bridge, Elaine Keller, Daniel (Trudy) Stolee, Elizabeth (Rod) Rhyason, Eunice (Brian) Gordon, Phyllis (Roger) Holmes, Joe (Barb) Stolee, and Paul (Christine Zaza) Stolee; 19 grand-children, 19 great-grandchildren; her sisters Anne Marie Knudtson and Alice Rude; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014 from the Messiah Lutheran Church (4810 50 Street, Camrose), with Rev. Bill Harder officiating. Interment has taken place at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, near Donalda. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Saskatoon, or the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.