Dorothy Mae Rudolph

Dorothy Mae Rudolph, 87, passed away peacefully December 2, 2015 with her family by her side. Dorothy was born on December 8, 1927 in Denver, CO to Wesley and Goldie McDonald. She spent her early years in Brush, Denver, and Loveland, CO. Following graduation from Loveland High School, Dorothy was employed by the Selective Service. There she met her future husband, Robert Rudolph after his discharge from the United States Army. They were married on September 12, 1948, and have resided near Timnath, CO, where her husband worked in the family farming and ranching business. Together they raised two children, Kevin and Martha. Dorothy graduated from C.S.U.in 1964 with a degree in English. Later, she went back to C.S.U. and received a Masters degree in Education. For many years, she taught junior high school English and reading, first at Timnath Jr. High, then at Boltz Jr. High School. When her own children became her students, the whole class thought of her as ‘Mom.’ Dorothy enjoyed a 23-year teaching career that touched the lives of countless students. She instilled a passion for literature and reading in her children, and enjoyed attending the annual Literary Sojourn. Dorothy loved to play bridge, joining the same group of friends each month for over 35 years for a friendly game. After retirement, she volunteered at CASA and the Fort Collins Museum and was a member of P.E.O. Chapter G. She had tremendous curiosity, and enjoyed travelling with family and friends and discovering new places. At home, she cultivated a beautiful flower garden, and enjoyed the variety of birds it attracted. Dorothy was an amazing cook; her apple pies were legendary among family members. While Dorothy had many interests outside of home, what was most important to her was her family. She believed in the value of a good education, providing tireless support and encouragement to her children and grandchildren in their educational pursuits. Dorothy created many Holiday traditions that brought family together. Christmas was especially important to her. The annual ‘Cookie-Baking’ centered around her birthday weekend producing hundreds of delectable goodies that friends and family look forward to receiving each year, a tradition that continues to this day. Dorothy knitted a Christmas stocking for each of her children and her five grandchildren. She found her greatest enjoyment in hosting a large extended family gathering for Christmas dinner, with holiday music, a warm fire, and laughter filling her home. That is her legacy. Dorothy is survived by her husband Robert, son Kevin (Valerie Wassill), grandchildren Michael and Julia, and daughter Martha (Robert Brown), and grandchildren Mason, Logan, and Cobin. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 15, 2016 at 10:30 am at Timnath Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be made to the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.