Dorothy Lee Gall was born June 24, 1937, in Rapid City to Herb and Ruby (Strehlow) Gall. After her father passed away in 1943, Dorothy and her mom left their ranch located in the Creston, SD area and moved to Rapid City. Dorothy spent much of her time on her grandparent’s ranch in the Owanka, SD area. Dorothy graduated from New Underwood High School in 1955. Dorothy then attended Black Hills Teachers’ College in Spearfish, SD, receiving her teaching credentials. She wed David “Bud” Deering June 30, 1958, in Rapid City. Dorothy taught 5th grade in the Rapid City School District for 20 years and worked alongside Bud on the Deering Ranch. Following Bud’s death in 1979, Dorothy married Melvin A. Anderson in 1981. They continued ranching until 2018, when they retired to Rapid City. Mel passed away in 2020.
Grateful to have shared her life are her daughters, Leslie Deering, Rapid City; Lisa (Mike) Karrels, Broadus, MT; Mona Thompson, Eagle Butte, SD; son Audey (Anne) Anderson, Sturgis, SD; her cousin, Jane Karp and family, Owanka, SD and grandchildren Kirstin (Doug) Cayko, Aurora, CO; Chance (Meretta) Anderson, Isabel, SD; Erika (Shawn) Anderson-Brightman, Plano, TX; Ryan (Sarah) Anderson, Cheyenne, WY; Taylor Anderson, Gillette, WY; Kaycee (Brett) Geck, Gillette, WY; and Benjamin Craft, Ranchester WY. Dorothy was a proud great-grandma to her thirteen “Greats”. Mom was loved by so many other people and she loved them all back!
Dorothy left for her heavenly home March 24, 2024. Her service is at 11 AM April 3, 2024 at Kirk Funeral Home, Rapid City. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 2 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery. A gathering will immediately follow at the Sturgis VFW, 866 Main St, Sturgis, SD for all of us to share stories and remembrances of a wonderful woman, wife, mother and grandmother.
Dorothy requested memorials be made in her memory to SD High School Rodeo Association and Elm Springs Church.
Friends and family are welcome to sign the online guestbook.
