Dorothy Louise Ranum

Our beloved Dorothy L. Ranum, 89, of Baker, MT, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 31th, 2022 at Fallon Medical Complex in Baker, MT. 

Dorothy was born on March 20, 1933 in Wibaux, MT. She grew up with her five siblings Frances, Anton (Tony), Mike, Vic and Connie.

She married Joseph Ranum on December 1, 1950 and together they had 5 children: Kenneth, David, Rosalie, Rita, and Terry. Joe and Dorothy’s life together took them from Baker to Glendive to Seeley Lake and Missoula. They had passion for traveling. Family was so important to them that they made annual trips to see all of their children and grandchildren. After Joe’s passing Dorothy still traveled the states but eventually returned to her roots in eastern Montana.

Dorothy was a wonderful house wife and mother and grandmother. She always stayed super busy behind the scenes making sure everyone was settled. She was able to enjoy a job outside the home as a waitress at the Kit Cat Café on Baker Lake in the 1950’s, which she was very proud of. 

Dorothy took every opportunity to spend time with her family. She played the role of the ideal grandmother making cookies and “cheese buttons”, playing games, and caring for her kids and grandkids. Dorothy enjoyed keeping her mind and her hands busy. She never passed up a game of cards, loved word puzzles, and crocheted endlessly. Dorothy loved to dance; she was known for kicking up her heels whenever she could. Above all, Dorothy loved spending time with her family and friends. Dorothy had a very special connection to her lovely nieces and stayed very involved in their lives. Her family remembers her positive outlook on life, sweet smile, and her love of laughter. She loved the Lord and read her bible regularly.

Dorothy is survived by 3 children; Kenneth Ranum of Lewiston, ID, Rita (Dave) Hilger of Miles City, MT, and Terry (Diane) Ranum of Kalispell, MT; 1 brother Mike (Doris) Berger of Golva, ND; 1 sister Connie (Art) Message of Baker, MT; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Anton & Louise Begger, her husband Joe Ranum, 1 sister Frances Becker, 2 brothers Anton Begger & Vic Begger, 1 son David Ranum, 1 daughter Rosalie Ranum and 2 great grandchildren.  

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 at 10am, MST, at Knowlton Cemetery. A time to gather and share memories will be arranged to follow the grave side service in Baker, MT.