Minnie Elizabeth Dorn

Long time area resident Sandy Dorn died at home on the morning of Friday, September 25, 2015 from complications with lung cancer. She was 82 years old. Sandy was born December 16, 1932 in DeWitt, Arkansas. Her parents were Edgar and Mildred Spharler. On October 18, 1974 she married Donald Dorn in Las Vegas, NV. The couple relocated from Ventura, CA to the Estes Park area in 1984. Sandy was a devoted, loving wife and mother. She cared deeply for her friends (both two-legged and four-legged). She was an activist who focused on the humane rights of animals. Her philanthropy towards her heartfelt causes knew no bounds. She nurtured abandoned baby raccoons, kittens and ran to the aid of injured birds. She loved her three daughters and three granddaughters and was there in a heartbeat to see to their every need. She was quite soft spoken, yet very influential in the lives she touched. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Sandy is survived by her daughter June Howard, Julie Ellsworth (and husband, Jerry Ellsworth) and Leah Howard, all of Estes Park. Other survivors include her grandchildren Mia Castellucci (and husband, Marco), Lemi Giudice and Sandy Golubich (and husband, Nathan). Also, survived by her are her younger siblings, Faye McCoy, Carol Means, Larry Spharler and LaVonne Owens. Last, but certainly not least, she is survived by her four-legged baby girl, Khloe (an adorable Chihuahua who never left her side throughout her long bout with lung cancer). She was preceded in death by her late husband Don Dorn, her parents and a sister, Lorene Kothman, and brother, Harold Spharler. The family will celebrate Sandy’s life in a private gathering. In her memory, donations may be made to the Pet Association of Estes Park in care of Allnutt Funeral Service 1302 Graves Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517.