Dorothy “Dusty” Borelson, 78, of rural Rapid City passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the care of the Rapid City Regional Hospice House. She was born May 4, 1931 to Tobias and Christina (Matthews) Borelson in New Underwood and lived there until her teens. The family moved to their Rapid City area ranch after the death of her sister Lorraine in a tractor accident.
Dorothy became her father’s “hired man” after graduating from high school. She was always there to help with the haying and threshing. A paint brush and hammer were familiar tools to Dorothy as she and her father earned extra money working as contractors. Dorothy saved her money for several trips to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry.
A life time lover of music, Dorothy accumulated a collection of over 50,000 Country Western songs which she recently donated to the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. Along with the music, Dorothy obtained autographed photographs of her favorite musicians. She also collected the star’s autographs on quilt pieces which she embroidered and sewed into a beautiful quilt. She recently donated this collection to the Pearl Hotel Museum in Kadoka, South Dakota.
She was the president of the Buddy Meredith and Polly Johnson fan club’s for 21 years. She also published the newsletter for both.
During her life time Dorothy made over 1800 quilts, most of which were donated to local charities. Every one of those quilts was sewn on her treadle sewing machine and tied or quilted by hand. On warm sunny days you could find Dorothy in her garage tying quilts.
In 1995 Dorothy was chosen by the Catalyst Club to receive the Good Neighbor Award for which she received a carved wooden bust of herself. In November of 2002 she was named Rapid City’s Good Citizen. She was a founding and current member of the Rapid City Quilter’s Guild. In addition, Dorothy found time to volunteer as a board member of the North Elk Fire Protection District.
In recent years Dorothy became a care giver. After the passing of her mother, she assumed the responsibility of caring for her disabled sister. How wonderful it was that Carol was able to be cared for by her loving family.
Preceding her in death were Dorothy’s older sister Lorraine, her father Tobias and mother Christina. She is survived by her sister Carol, over 100 pen pals and many local friends.
Funeral services will be at 11am on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Atonement Lutheran Church in Rapid City with Rev. Jon Mapa officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at the New Underwood Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Atonement Lutheran Church.
Friends and family may sign Dorothy’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com