David “Dave” Grant Rothwell slipped peacefully away from a brief battle with cancer on the afternoon of September 18, 2024, with his wife Betty by his side.
Dave was born in Jordan Montana on September 6, 1932, to Raymond and Dorothy (Hewitt) Rothwell. Dave would often recall memories of growing up on his father’s dairy farm in Minnesota. Every morning before school Dave would milk all 25 dairy cows.
Dave was very proud of the fifty parachute jumps he made in his time stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After receiving an honorable discharge, he went to visit his sister in Glasgow Montana where he met and married Betty Lipscomb.
Dave and Betty lived for a short time in the town of Fort Peck before moving to Glasgow. He worked for the Army Corp of Engineers for seventeen years. After retiring Dave helped family friends with construction including adding on to the family home.
Their marriage was blessed with four children: daughters, Arliss, and Valerie, and sons, Michael and David. After studying the Bible together, Dave and Betty were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in a horse trough in Lewistown, Montana in 1961.
The family has many memories they will treasure. Betty fondly remembers Dave’s sense of humor; it was one of the qualities that drew her to him. The grandkids remember the twinkle in his eye when he was joking around and playing cards. A lively game of cards, whether pinochle or whist could often be found at the Rothwell house.
Dave had a love of music and was happy to dance a jig, yodel or sing a tune. Many of Dave’s grandchildren were able to travel to visit in his last days. He asked, “Do you like to dance?” His granddaughter replied, “Yes.” Dave said, “When I get to feeling better let’s dance.” She told him, “Let’s make that dance happen in paradise,” reminding Dave of God’s promise of a paradise with no more tears, death or pain as recorded at Revelation 21 verse 4.
Dave passed on his love of the outdoors, fishing and hunting to his boys. On one back country elk hunting trip. Dave was so happy to be off the horse, he yodeled all the way down the mountain. He never met a stranger, always happy to visit anyone he came across. Dave would often say, “Hi, my name is Cliff, drop over sometime.” Dave kept his sense of humor to the end. On his last doctor appointment, when the tech asked his name, Dave said, “Charlie McCarthy”, seeing the look of confusion on the doctors and families faces he chuckled. When it was time to make the trip to the hospital he told the lovely ladies of the ambulance service, “Why are you ganging up on me?” Dave was always able to diffuse a stressful situation with a little comedy.
Dave was preceded in death by his daughter Valerie, his sisters Joyce Wilson and Sherry Montella, his brother-in-law and friend Jim Lipscomb. Dave is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty, his children, Arliss, Michael (Mindi) and David, his brothers Forest “Woody” and Kurt, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Dave chose to be cremated. A private family gathering in the spring is planned to carry out his wishes.
Ed Bassmaster says
Would you look at that smile……just look at it.
Arliss Rothwell says
I am thankful that he was my dad and favorite dancing partner! Dad treated me like my life mattered!
Tracee Raymond-Waples says
Dave, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and the families loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sure your dad will be missed dearly. My condolences to all.
Lori K Duncan says
He was a wonderful friend and Pinochle player. I will miss his lively sense of humor during those card games with his wife and son!! Truly a fun evening had by all.