Dorothy Mae (Herman) Turnbull

Singing and Dancing to the Very End! Dorothy Turnbull, age 90, passed away on December 14, 2023.

Dorothy Mae Herman was born December 30, 1932 in Laurel, MT, first-born to Alex and Anna Herman.

After graduating from Terry High School, she and her cousin, Esther Michaels, worked at Pierce Packing in Billings.

On May 10, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Trent Turnbull, also from Terry. They enjoyed 68 years together.

While raising her family in Terry then Billings, Dorothy also worked at Coulson's then Kautzman's Pharmacy, Carsten's Dental Office, and Newman School in Billings. No matter the role, Dorothy made her mark in the hearts and lives of those fortunate enough to cross her path. She had an eye for the struggling souls of this world, and always offered a hand, kind word, or a song.

Dorothy loved to spend time with family and friends and share her cooking and home with all. She hosted innumerable family feasts and generously shared her famous butterball soup, cinnamon rolls, popcorn balls, and Tom & Jerry's (to name only a few).

Dorothy was lovingly referred to by many as a "spitfire". She loved to dance, a love shared by her sister, Sally. Since both were married to non-dancers, they spun each other around the dance floor throughout their lives, often accompanied by their father's accordion playing.

Family was all-important to Dorothy. To those who were lucky enough to be her children and grandchildren, she modeled showing up to support and celebrate her loved ones, no matter the occasion or location. She gave us room and encouragement to follow our own paths. She will be remembered for her loving, genuine, and steadfast presence in the lives of her family members and her community.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters: Valerie Hinkel (Dave) of Billings and Teresa Turnbull (Donovan Lytle) of Missoula, MT; sons: Ken Turnbull (Brenda) of Maple Valley, WA, and Scott Turnbull (LaRae Howell) of Olympia, WA; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family wants to thank Janet White and the caring and compassionate staff at Butterfly Homes and Riverstone Hospice for their exceptional care.

A life celebration is planned for both Dorothy and Trent on May 10, 2024 (their anniversary) at 11 AM at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.

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