Dorothy Elaine Steiber Getz, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother peacefully passed away on August 3, 2021 in Billings, Montana.
She and her twin sister, Doris, were born in Reeder, North Dakota, on July 1, 1928 and grew up in Baker, Montana surrounded by doting parents and six older siblings who thought “the twins” were their parents’ favorites. A younger brother completed the family circle. In a home filled with love and led by a gentle, loving father and soft-spoken, kind mother, Dorothy flourished surrounded by siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins from southeastern Montana. At an early age, she received violin lessons and learned to share her beautiful singing voice as she and her twin sang on local radio and for community and church events including several funerals. Tragedy struck their home in 1937 when an older brother, Leslie, died in a drowning accident in Baker Lake. Hope returned to the Steiber home as her mother joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1938 and Dorothy followed her mother’s lead and remained a faithful, life-long member.
In high school, she was known for her dancing skills and her dance card was always filled. She liked to joke that her dancing made up for some “one-legged A’s.” Right after finishing high school, she met a handsome WWII decorated veteran, Kenneth Earl Getz who was from nearby Rhame, North Dakota, and they were married in Billings in 1947. Much of their married life was lived in eastern Montana, primarily Glendive, where they settled in the 1950’s. Dorothy’s life centered around her own children, who were blessed by many aunts and uncles and cousins. This extended family enjoyed happy family gatherings with delicious meals including mouth-watering baked goods. Tragedy struck again in 1984 with her husband’s unexpected passing but she endured with determination and spunk which inspired and entertained her growing posterity. She worked hard all her life and as a widow, continued to find the means to slip a $20 bill to a grandchild or someone in need. She surrounded herself with beauty, especially flowers of each season. Her home was always a welcoming place with cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies, and cakes which she loved to bake. She often walked around Glendive and her walking contributed to her good health throughout her life.
She was an inspiration to fellow church members and many others and was well versed in the scriptures, often quoting memorized passages from life-long study. She served for a season in the Billings Montana Temple, occasionally driving herself to Billings. Her children and grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren remained the focus and love of her life; this love blessed many lives including family, friends, neighbors, and community service groups, such as the Attic where many cherished friendships were made.
She is survived by two sons and a daughter – Kenneth Dale (Dawn); Brian Leslie (Lori); and, Melissa Ann Berg (Jay); numerous Steiber and Getz nieces and nephews; and by 14 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her and call her name blessed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny, and her beloved son, Dennis, and all of her siblings. She is the last of her and husband’s immediate family – a noble, great generation of pioneering souls who are now re-united in an extended family gathering.
A celebration of her life will be held on August 7th, 2021 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Glendive, Montana. For those wishing to attend, masks would be sincerely appreciated. Interment will follow in the Steiber Family plot in the Bonnievale Cemetery near Baker, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday August 7, 2021
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1900 N. Anderson Ave.
Glendive, Montana 59330
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Garth Sleight says
Sister Getz was one of the sweetest women I have ever known. It was always a joy to hug her at church when I had to attend meetings in Glendive. She has live a stalwart life and has gone on to her eternal reward. My condolences to the family. Parting is difficult, but temporary.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
What a precious and valiant woman of God! Thank you for sharing her!
May you find peace and comfort and cherished memories until you can all be together again!
David Steffen says
Oh how I love Sister Getz! When my grandma died in 1989 she became a grandmother figure to me often providing counsel and thoughts as I grew. She wrote me on my mission while I was in Canada always encouraging me to strive and carry forward. She was always an example to me throughout my life. I had the joy of serving years later as her Bishop. I often had visits with her in her home. My children enjoyed going over before Christmas each year and playing out the nativity scenes in her living room. In the last few years she often talked of the past, siblings and her family that had gone before her and how she longed to be with them. When our family learned of her progression into eternity, I could just imagine the great reunion she was having. I so wish we could be to her service! The drive from AZ back to MT gets to be a long road but know our hearts and prayers are with you during this time. She is a grand lady for certain! I know of her deep family love and I testify she will be close often.
Terry and Jim Steffen says
Sweet Dorothy, my memories go back more than 60 years of experiences with this precious woman. I remember more than once her coming to my parents trailer during terrible thunder storms. I thought at the time she came because she thought it was safer in a trailer, but as I grew to understand being in a trailer during a storm was not at all safe. Now I think she came to be with her dear friend (my Mom), to be a source of cheery comfort. One particular hail storm she was there with my Mom and our family when the hail started “pinging” out all our windows. It was during one of those storms when I, being abt 7 years old, was wiping our kitchen table off. Sister Getz noticed my not very professional approach to that particular task so she very kindly proceeded to show me the “best way” to get it done! I have thought of that precious moment hundreds of times over the years. Our families often celebrated July 4’s together! Then as our families grew I remember many many times she (and her sister, Edith) would would arrive at our home to visit on a sunny afternoon. Dorothy ALWAYS came waltzing into our front room in her nifty pink peddle pushers carrying a ginormous bottle of vitamin C chewable wafers! She proceeded to pass them out to each of us kids like candy, always coaxing us to have another one. ( I never knew how to tell her they just weren’t all that yummy.). She had (and continues still) to have such a gentle way to share her powerful testimony. Often she has told me over the last many years she just wanted to go see Kenny. That reunion happening now across the veil must be glorious! Our hearts are full of love for her beautiful family, you will be in our every prayer.
Victor says
I only knew you through one of your grand daughters, Heidi. While we never met, or talked directly to one another, I felt as though I knew you and I had hoped to visit and maybe add one more to your dance card. You are so important to Heidi and to many others. You lived a purposeful life and the only thing that makes sense is god needs more angels so while you will be missed, you won’t be forgotten.
Lory Heltemes says
Dorothy was one of the kindest Souls I ever met and I can honestly say I will remember her and that Sweet Little Smile of hers forever. I loved working with her at the Attic and having her share some of her stories at coffee time. I know she will be missed by many but she is in a much greater place now and I look forward to seeing her again one day and getting that little hug from her. Thoughts and prayers to her family and may God comfort them in the upcoming days.
Mabel Johnson says
I worked with Dorthy at Andersons in Glendive such a lovely lady.
Brad Schmitz says
I didn’t realize that Dorothy had passed until after her service. My condolences to her family. I loved attending church in Glendive and seeing Sister Getz there. She was a wonderful lady, always had a smile and was happy to great you. I loved what a classy lady she was and how she paid attention to her dress, hair, and appearance. What a beautiful woman, inside and out! I will miss you when I attend Glendive.