Dorothy B. "Sweetie" (Escott) Short was born December 13, 1923, in Faith, SD, to Christena "Tena" (Schradle) Escott and William "Bert" Escott. She was the oldest of 3 children. Dorothy and her family eventually moved to Sturgis where she would graduate high school in 1941. Following her graduation, she moved to Chance, SD, where she worked as a postal clerk and taught school. She later got certified through two summer school sessions to become a qualified teacher which allowed her to teach 1st-9th grade for a number of years.

In 1946, Dorothy married Robert Barr Short in a double wedding with his sister, Hazel and Charles Vansickel, in Broadus, MT. Robert was in the Army and transferred to the Air Force which stationed them at Ellsworth. Later, Robert was transferred to Denver while Dorothy stayed in Belle Fourche to teach. Robert and Dorothy moved to Sturgis in 1950 where they lived for over 60 years. Robert started Short Construction and Dorothy tended to her 6 children, Danny (1948), Duane (1950), Robin (1953), William "Bill" (1954), Robert "Bob" (1958), and Roger (1968).

In addition to her very busy family life, Dorothy was very active in a variety of groups throughout the community that included her membership with Grace Lutheran Church, Hospice, Meals on Wheels, TOPS, Red Hat Society, American Cancer Society, Buttons and Bows, and VFW Auxiliary. Her passion for being a part of the community and spending time with dear friends was no doubt the secret to living such a long and fulfilling life.

Dorothy's energy was noticeable to every person she spent time with, whether it was for 5 minutes or for 50 years. She opened up her heart and her home on frequent occasions, whether it was offering support in a grave time in someone's life, hosting nightly coffee, or offering a bed for a biker during the rally. She was truly one of a kind. While her death was unexpected to us all, we all can find peace knowing that she passed quickly and free of pain with her beloved friend, Charlene, by her side.

Surviving family includes sons, Danny (Bakey), Duane, Bill (Janine), Bobby (Judy), and Roger; daughter, Robin (Pat); as well as 13 grandchildren, Ben, Estee, Gram, Brad, Tessa, Brynn, Ryan, Carlyn, Taber, Errin, Seth, Griffin, and Sydney; 11 great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family members.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Peggy McGinnis; brother, Mike Escott; and grandson, Adrian Short.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastor Kris Garlick officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Memorials have been established to Grace Lutheran Church and Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Click on link to view service folder