Dee was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2022 and fought like a warrior. Unfortunately, the cancer that was once gone had come back and this battle was lost. Dee made the transition from her life on earth to her spiritual life, at the age of 71, on August 31, 2024, at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings, Montana surrounded by family members.
Dee was the second of two children born to Joel B. and Verna Mae Rogers of Biloxi Mississippi. Dee grew up as an Air Force brat living all over the United States and Europe. The family eventually settled in Athens, Texas and Dee graduated from Athens High School. In the fall following high school, Dee attended Henderson Community Junior College where she received her associate’s degree. Dee was married to Charles Lohrke and had three children Kris, Kevin, and Amber. Dee and Charles were separated, and Dee traveled to Eastern Montana in 1990 accompanying a quarter horse stud for a local horseman. Dee ended up calling Eastern Montana her home. Dee and Rick were married on June 27, 1992, and moved to Kinsey, Montana. Dee welcomed Rick’s girls Tanys and Shanna into her life.
Over the years Dee was involved in many activities and organizations in Miles City – Custer County Republican Women, Custer County Republican Central Committee, the Barn Players, the Miles City Photography Club, the Stock Growers Association, the Eastern Montana Fair Board, square dancing, a paraprofessional at the Kinsey School and she founded Stronger Together Cancer Support Group. Dee was also proud to have been accepted into the daughters of the American Revolution. Dee was a Christian and belonged to the Miles City Church of Christ in Miles City, Montana. Dee loved and appreciated her church family very much. Dee also enjoyed their horses, dogs, cats, and sheep. Dee was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and so loved to share their accomplishments.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents Joel B. and Verna Mae Rogers and her sister JoAnn. Dee is survived by her husband Rick Abbott, her children Kris (Angie) Lohrke of Miles City, MT, Kevin (Esther) Lohrke of Athens, TX, Amber (John) Fuller of Huntsville, TX. Stepdaughters, Tanys (Shelby) Ross of Othello, WA, and Shanna Abbott of Belgrade, MT.
Grand-children – Sydnee Lohrke (Andrew Seed) of Craig, CO, Alyssa Lohrke (Chase Meyers) of Miles City, MT, Kole Lohrke currently of St George, UT, Hannah Lohrke of Miles City, MT, Gracen and Carson Fuller of Huntsville, TX, Emma Lohrke of Smithfield, RI, Mikayla Ross of Colfax, WA and Katelynn Ottmar of Moses Lake, WA.
Great granddaughters Brooklynn and Marylynn, and great grandson Carter.
A memorial service will be held for Dee at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery- Committal Shelter with a luncheon to follow at the VFW. Dee’s final resting place will be Shelby Chapel Cemetery in Athens, TX where a memorial will also be held.
Dee’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the cancer care staff, her church family and Nick and Betty Clausen, who were not only church family but Dee and Rick’s chosen family.
It was Dee’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Holy Rosary Cancer Center of which Dee was honored to have helped dedicate.
**For anyone attending the memorial service on Monday, September 9th, if you could please bring a lawn chair.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 9, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery - Committal Shelter
259 Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 9, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery - Committal Shelter
259 Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Lynn and Judy Strobel says
Rick and Family, we are so sorry for the loss of your Dee. She was such a special person with a delightful personality and an infectious smile. We are honored to be friends with you both and have fond memories of you being a part of our square dance family. Our prayers are with you.
Louise de Montigny says
Rick, I’m so sorry.
Mary Ottoy says
Rick and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Sherrie Moths says
Our sympathy to the Abbott family in this time of sorrow. So sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you comfort and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hazel Stabler says
Rick and family. I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a trooper. I’m glad I got to know her recently.
Garth Sleight says
Rick, I am so incredibly sorry to read of Dee’s passing. I hope you will find comfort in the memories you shared. She always had a lovely smile and cheery countenance whenever I was around her. God bless you, Rick.
Jeff Faycosh says
Rick, I am so sorry to hear about Dee. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trish Holmes says
Rick and Family, Chet and I are so sorry about the loss of Dee. We will always remember the fun times of dinners on Friday nites,dances and trips . You always willbe in our hearts and prayers, God Bless Chet and Trish Holmes
Dawn says
Rick – so sorry to hear this news. My prayers are with you and yours. She was a special lady!
Dawn
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Rick, So sorry to hear about Dee. She lit up a dance and I know you both liked to dance. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember the good times.
Deb Schmeling says
Dear Abbott family,
May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you with love, peace, comfort, and mercy during this time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Deb Schmeling
Sandy Fogle says
Rick and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Dee. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Becky Stanton says
Rick and family. I was surprised to read Dee had passed. I so enjoyed her as my sister in arsenic and lace. Such a sweet dear. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Butch and Julie Krutzfeldt says
Our sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family, Rick. Dee was such an upbeat and fun person to work with and know. She will be missed by many.
Yvette Stene says
Oh Rick…I am so saddened by Dee’s passing. Her work with students was never short of amazing. She helped SO MANY students when we were working together. She loved you deeply as many of our conversations were about your “love story” and how much you enjoyed each other. I’m sending you much much love.❤️
Yvette
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Rick and family,
We are saddened by the news of Dee’s passing. We so enjoyed the square dance days with you two. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
Rick and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all during such a hard time.
Joyce and Ken Holmlund says
Rick and family- Ken and I send our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss! Hold onto the memories! God Bless!
Ken and Joyce Holmlund
DALE E BARTA says
Rick and family, So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Sue Nichols says
Rick, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you cousin.
Cindy Butis says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rick and families on the loss of a special person. Dave and Cindy Carter Burris
Pam Rogge says
Rick and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Dee’s friendly greetings will be missed as this special lady is remembered.
Connie and Ron Watts says
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family Rick🙏
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Carrie (Beach) Etherington says
Rick, I am so sorry to hear this. Dee was such a source of light for anyone who had the privelege of getting to sit down and talk with her. She was so incredibly kind to my children and they remember her fondly.
Curt and Patsy Almy says
So sorry💔
Curt and Patsy Almy says
So sorry. 💔
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Rick and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Beautiful Dee. God has a gained a beautiful angel. She always had a smile and time to visit. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Dee will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your precious memories as they will help get you thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
Rick. I am so saddened to hear of Dee’s passing. I know her last days were hard and I rejoice that she is pain free and will be running with arms wide open to meet you in heaven. We are wrapping you and all your family in prayers.May God carry you through the days ahead.
Glennda Wolf says
Rick and all of Dee’s Family, we are so sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. She and I originally bonded over our Texas roots. I enjoyed working with her and her bright smile. God Bless each of you.
Glennda Wolf says
Rick and each of Dee’s Family, we are truly sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. Dee and I originally bonded over our Texas roots. I enjoyed working with her and loved her sweet smile. God’s Blessings for each of you.
Bill and Glennda
Jean Doran says
Rick and family, So sorry to hear about Dee. She was a wonderful person. And I always enjoyed visiting with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dan and Jean
Stan Wheeler says
Rick and family
Sorry to hear about Dee passing. She was a wonderful Lady and good friend to everyone she met.
Renee Fjellerud says
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of warm hugs from Norway ♥️
Mable Watters Lane says
Rick and family I’m sorry for your loss of the Dee She was a great lady and will with missed by a lot of people I will Pray for your family 🙏 And keep you in my thoughts and prayers 💕💕🙏
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Rick and family: We are so so very sorry for your loss. 💔
Slade & Lynnette Bumgardner says
Rick and all Family
Sorry for your loss. May God comfort you through this season of life. God Bless you all.
Dan and Linda Stokes says
Rick and family,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Rick and family,
Dee was a special person. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Tom and Lillian
Roban Bunting says
Rick,l am in shock!! I thought she was doing well and last we talked she was so excited to be done with treatment! She was so energized and looked so healthy when she dropped the dogs off! I just can’t believe she’s gone!! I’m so sorry!!! I can’t even imagine how empty the house is for you and the pups!♡ We had some really fun times!! I love you both. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.Please call me if there’s anything l can help with!! She was such a wonderful Lady!! Smart,cute,positive,mischeivious,Christian. She absilutely loved you and the kids and Grandkids more than anything!! She will be watching over all of you!! Roberta and Martin Bunting
Laura Sevier says
Rick,
Sorry for your loss of Dee. I enjoyed getting to know both of you through my membership in the Miles City Photography Club.
My thoughts & prayers are with your family at this difficult time in your lives.
Judy Schantz says
Dee and i worked together in Home Health and Hospice. She was so nice and kind to all. She leaves a lasting legacy to follow. She fought the good fight. And soars with the best. Sympathy and God’s comfort to all.
Shannon Holmen says
She sure wiggled her life into Eastern Montana and we loved her for it. Always cheerful and happy. She will be greatly missed.
Carol Ann LaRose Schuetzle says
Rick and family, so sorry for your loss of Dee.
She is great and fun lady to be around, whether it was at the VFW Fish Fry, Bucking Horse Sale or just running into her at the store.
She always smiling and always greeting everyone with Hi!
Our thoughts, prayers, hugs and love are with you all.
💞🙏💞🙏💞🙏
Carol & Warren Schuetzle
Don Rooney says
Rick, I’m so sorry for your loss.Dee was a good friend. My condolence and thoughts go out to the family. Rip my good friend.
Don Rooney says
Rick I’m so sorry for your loss.Dee was a good friend & very well known.Rip my good friend.
Kimber Gebhardt says
Dee had a beautiful smile and she was the friendliest person I think I’ve ever met. She surely will be missed. Hugs and prayers to you all! 😔
Nancy Fillafer says
Rick,
So sorry about Dee’s passing. She’s not in pain anymore. She was a hard working lady. May she rest in peace. I know it’s hard Rick, I still miss Tom everyday.
Nancy Fillafer says
Rick & all the family,
So sorry for your loss. She was a nice lady. Please know that I am praying for your peace & comfort. God bless, Nancy
Nancy Fillafer says
Rick & all the family
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. Please know that I am praying for your peace & comfort. God Bless, Nancy
Allison Campbell says
She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed.
Diana Elwood says
Rick and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dee put up a valiant fight, but is at peace now. Please know you are in my prayers, I know exactly what you’re going thru. God bless.
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
Rick and family, we are so sorry about Dee’s passing! You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and strength from many wonderful memories. His Blessings to you all.
Cara Willson says
Dee, I hope you’re slaying dragons in Heaven. Thanks for all the laughs through the years. Rick, I’m so sorry for your loss. Dee and I shared 10 years of memories and good times. She will be missed.
Debbie Weyer says
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal”
author unknown
My deepest condolences for all of Dee’s family & friends
Bruce and Nancy Klapmeier says
Rick, so sorry for your loss.
Susanne Galbraith says
Rick and Family, so very sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. May your memories ease the pain.
Pat Sanburn says
Thinking of and praying for you and your family. Dee was loved by all that knew her and will be greatly missed.
Trish Yeager Tiley says
send out deepest sympathy to you Rick, Dee was such a huge help to Owen at Kinsey school! We are heartbroken for you.
The Yeager Family
Shirley Choye says
Rick, I’m so sorry. Dee will be missed by so many. Sending you love and hugs. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love you cuz.
Mary Ann Murray says
I’m so sorry to see this, Rick and Chris. Dee was such a cheerful person. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Becky Opatz says
Rick and family, very sorry hearing of Dee’s passing. You both had a true and strong love affair.
Terry Hulford (Scanlan) says
So very sorry for your loss, Rick and family, May the Lord comfort all of you in the coming days.
Richard and Debbie Eggar , Shirley Bennett says
We are here for you. She will always be in our hearts. She is such a sweet sister in Christ.
Barry Russiff says
Rick and family so sorry for your loss glad I got to see you both not that long ago
Jane Nelson says
Rick, so sorry for your loss. She was a fun gal! Hold on to the memories!
Jane and Frank Nelson
Debbie Lambright, AHS Class of ‘71 says
I went to high school with Dyon and will always remember her smile and upbeat personality. Thanks to Facebook we reconnected as friends and I enjoyed her posts. I will miss them. Sincere and deep sympathy for her family.
Monty Lesh says
Rick, so sorry for the loss of Dee. She brought sunshine to the room in our meetings
Dianne Youngblood Ottaberr says
Dyon was a friend of mine from Athens High School. We chatted on fb and I have been praying for her since her Illness and so has my church First Baptist Church Murchison Tx. Please contact me when there is a memorial service in Athens Tx. I’m sure many of her friends and classmates would like to attend if it is open to the public. My prayers to you Rick and all of your and her children snd grandchildren. Feel free to text me at 903-802-3316
Lorenz Stover, AHS 1972 classmate says
I first met her in the 5th grade at West Athens Elementary School in Athens Texas. From the beginning I thought she was one of the most unusual persons I’d ever met. She apparently learned early on not to take herself too seriously and made you feel right at home. Always thought she spelled her name Dion so we had a running joke about it. On occasion I would say: “is it Di-on or Di-off”? She would always break up in laughter. Will always be thankful that she took out 2 hours of her precious time earlier this year for a phone visit. She was a very loving human being and will be greatly missed! God bless you Rick and sons and her memory!
Josephine Meidinger says
Rick and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Dee was a very kind person. Allows enjoyed visiting with her.
Jeff Foley says
Rick and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of Dee. She was a very kind lady. Sending prayers out to all the family.
Ben, Patty, Aaron & Amy Blaquiere , Tess Irgens says
Rick,
We met you both through Kinsey School and Dee was a treasure! She was so kind and wise and wonderful with the kids. We pray that all your wonderful memories will bring you comfort and peace. God Bless you! We are so incredibly sorry.
Michele Mickolio says
Sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. She was so kind and fun to be around. I wish you comfort in knowing that she will live on in your heart forever. Hold those precious memories tight. God bless you.