Dorothy Edna Bublitz Clendenen was born on August 23, 1922 in Slope County, North Dakota. She passed away on November 10, 2025 in Miles City, Montana, at the age of 103. Her long life is testimony of her strength, courage, and determination in living her life to the fullest.
Dorothy was the second youngest of five children born to Henry and Linda Bublitz. She grew up helping milk cows and harvesting grain with the threshing crew on their homestead. Dorothy rode her favorite horse named Trixi to a one room schoolhouse in Mineral Springs for her education. Proving her intelligence, she created her own science book when there wasn’t enough to go around in that small school. Her teacher was so impressed she entered it into the World’s Fair in Chicago.
Dorothy met the love of her life, Lynn Clendenen, at a dance in Rhame, North Dakota. They got married on October 4, 1941 in Montana and started a family. Dorothy is the proud mother of eight children. Lavonne (Dave) Ewalt, Lynn Jr., Gail Zilai (Jok Simons), Leroy (Marlys), Eugene (deceased), twins Morris and Doris (Charles), and Alice (Steve) Espinosa.
She loved cooking and was always in the kitchen. Her family always knew they could count on her homemade cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, and bread along with so much more. She baked seven loaves of bread two or three times a week to provide for her growing family. Dorothy’s signature meal was a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. She cooked his every New Years Day for all of the generations to enjoy. Dorothy’s love for cooking expanded into working at the Holy Rosary Hospital as a dietary assistant and later at the VA Hospital; retiring from there after 16 years of service.
Dorothy enjoyed crocheting doilies and gifting them to family and friends. Knitting was another favorite pastime and the whole family benefited as they got to wear her sweaters, hats, mittens, scarfs, and whatever else she decided to tackle.
At the age of 54 Dorothy decided to get her driver’s license, which showed her independence and determination to not be left behind in the fast-moving times. She loved a good joke, dancing, and was always game for a fun time with her family and friends.
Dorothy lost Lynn to cancer in 1986, she later went on to find a new love, Cletus Watson. They spent the next 37 years together until Cletus passed away earlier in 2025.
Dorothy is survived by seven of her children: Lavonne (Dave) Ewalt, children Robin Kiel (Tom) and Linda Ewalt, Lynn Jr., daughter Lori Kruger (Randy), Gail Zilai (Jok Simons), children Michael (Michelle), Zack (Kelly); Leroy (Marlys), children Bryan (Jeanne), Brooks (Kevin) Hilton, Morris Clendenen, Doris (Charles) Louis, children Mark (Sine), Missy (Tom) Taucher, Meagan (Steve) Shirlbaurer, and Matthew Louis, Alice (Steve) Espinosa, daughter Michelle (Jessie) Larson. She lost her son Eugene (Doni) to cancer. His children are Candance (Dustin) Dozhier, Casey, Chrissy (Matt) Tobin. She also leaves behind many precious grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who all loved her and will miss her dearly.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Linda Bublitz, all of her siblings, her husband Lynn, and longtime companion Cletus Watson. She also lost two sons who died in infancy, son Eugene, grandsons Davey Ewalt, and Josh Espinosa.
Rest in loving peace Mom, Gramma
No service will be held at Dorothy’s request. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Pinky and Ella Mae says
So sorry Jr
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Shorty & Judy says
Our prayers are with you all
WES says
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS RIP GOD BLESS MAGIC
Jackie Stroh says
Sincere Sympathies to you all in the Loss of your mother! She must of been an amazing woman to have such a long life. God Bless her and you the family. May you find comfort in the days ahead knowing she is at peace in heaven. Hugs to you Lavonne. Your mother was a beautiful women!
Carol Schneider says
Lavonne, Jr. And family. Sorry to hear about your Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma. What a wonderful long life she had. Cherish all the great memories as I’m sure there are many. My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Janice Watson says
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady!
Vicki Clear says
Thinking of you. Hold on to the memories. Prayers for you.
Linda Walker says
My condolences to the family. She was a super lady!
Vikki Bradley says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember working with Dorothy back in high school, she was a kick, loved that lady.
Chris. J Gierke says
I was so sad to hear the news about Dorothy’s passing.
Keeping your family in my thoughts & prayers. May she rest in peace God Bless!
Terri L Coldwell says
Dorthy was a special lady. Im sorry to hear about her passing.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Lavonne, Dave and family, our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Michelle Simpson says
Lavonne and family Jim and I are so very sorry for your loss of your mother. That is never easy. May you find peace in the many memories you must share it look like your mother led a beautiful life. Your mother must’ve had incredible strength, a tip of the hat for her, loving her life to the fullest .We hold you close in thought in prayer Jim and Michelle Simpson
Bill and Terry Freymiller says
Leroy, Marlys, Brooks, Kevin, Jake, and Tatum We are so very sorry for your loss of this beautiful lady. May your hearts be comforted by all the beautiful memories you have of her! She sounds like she was an amazing lady. So sorry I never had the privilege of meeting her!
Bill and Terry Freymiller
Karen Taylor says
My sympathy to all of you, Dorothy trained me at the VA back in 1985. Such a nice lady
Bill and Sandy Jensen says
Dear Lavonne and Family,
Our sincere condolences. Peace be with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna says
Worked at the VA for awhile with Dorothy, nice lady, still use her zucchini bread recipe. 🙂
Rob Bartholomew says
Sorry for your loss