Dorthy Kay Alden was born on August 15, 1939 to Lee and Gladys Alden. She grew up in Keenesburg and lived in the area for over 80 years. After high school, she went to Colorado State College (now UNC) receiving a teaching degree. During the summers, she worked in Estes Park and Disneyland in 1959.
She married Russell ‘Butch’ Gurtler Jr. in 1960, and they moved to the farm between Keenesburg and Hudson.
Dorthy was a member of Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg for 75 years. She played the organ every Sunday for over 40 years. She also played for over 90 weddings.
Dorthy taught 4th grade at Hudson Elementary for 11 years. She then worked for several farm implement companies doing bookkeeping and financing.
She loved traveling and her trips included Alaska cruises, Caribbean cruise, San Diego, Disneyland, Disney World, Utah, Niagara Falls, NE Atlantic cruise, Hawaii, NYC, Washington DC, Canada, Rose Bowl Parade, Rome, Athens, Ecuador, Peru, and many WY camping trips.
Dorthy loved going to her 4 grandkids games and cheering them on. She was also a huge Denver Broncos and Nuggets fan.
Dorthy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Butch, and her 3 brothers. She is survived by her sister Carol Buhler, her daughter Lisa Ellis (Mark), her son Russ Gurtler (Kerrie), grandson Danny Gurtler, granddaughters Rachel Ellis, Tia Anderson (Spencer), Lauren Velarde (Chris), 3 great grandsons, and 1 great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg, PO Box 195, 80643.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg; 195 Main St, Keenesburg, CO. Dorthy will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Greeley, CO.
