Dolores "Dottie" Lucille French

Dottie was born on August 23, 1938, in Overton, Nebraska, to Clyde Leslie Tillotson and Pauline Violetta (Eliker) Tillotson. Her father, Clyde, served as the Assistant Postmaster in Overton, while her mother, Pauline, was a homemaker. After her parents' divorce, Pauline took Dottie and her two brothers back to Wilsonville, Nebraska. Pauline remarried to Leonard Francis, whom Dottie adored. Dottie grew up in a large family with seven brothers and sisters and lived in various parts of the United States throughout her childhood. She graduated from Moab High School in 1956, where she excelled academically, and later enrolled at Red Rocks Community College.

Dottie met her future husband, James (Jim) Murray French, in Denver, and they were married on April 7, 1962, in Denver, Colorado. While Dottie enjoyed staying home to raise her family, she worked several jobs during the early years of their marriage, supporting Jim as they built their lives together.

In the early 1980’s, Dottie and Jim started D&J Dairy in Fort Lupton, Colorado, before relocating to rural Longmont in 1983, where they established their home and allowed their children to be involved in the family business. Together, they created a successful dairy farming operation and Dottie developed a special bond with the land and livestock. She especially treasured her first milk cow, Beauty. A hardworking and dedicated mother, Dottie was a role model to her children who taught them the value of perseverance and the importance of family.

While farming was central to her life, Dottie and her family also made time for travel. They often enjoyed trips which created lasting memories. A talented baker and seamstress, Dottie was known for baking cakes for special occasions. She loved sharing her passion for cake decorating with her daughter, Carolyn, and granddaughter, Amanda. She also passed down her sewing skills through the creation of beautiful blankets, quilts and outfits for her children and grandchildren. Dottie was an enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren's sports and musical events and was an avid fan of professional sports, particularly the Denver Broncos. Dottie could always be found reading a book or two, as she loved getting lost in a story.

Dottie is survived by her four children: Connie (Thomas) Hanlon of Haskell, Oklahoma, Carolyn (Roger) Theobald of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, Beverly (John) Foust of Thornton, Colorado, and Matt (Denise) French of Longmont, Colorado. She is further survived by her grandchildren John (Liz), Amanda (Eric), and Charles; Ashley, Sydney, and Grady; Steven (Abbey), Derek (Amanda), Cody and Nicole (Brandon); Andrew (Haley), Matthew, and Abby; and 13 great-grandchildren. Dottie is also survived by three sisters Mary (Ron) Karash, Lenora (Mike) Schilz, and Judy Elwood.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, by her parents, and by her brothers: Dave, Tim, Chester, and Bob.

Dottie was the matriarch of her family, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she gave to everyone around her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 30, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Howe Mortuary Chapel, located at 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado, 80501. A Reception will follow at 11:00 am at the same location.

A private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Services are entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the French family.