Dorothy Marie Baertsch

Dorothy Marie Mosley Baertsch, age 93, passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Pines of Polson where she had resided for over two years.
Dorothy Marie Mosley was born February 9, 1921 at home in Reservoir Valley North and East of Pablo, Montana. She was the only child born to Jesse Harrison Mosley and Marie Adel Johnson, Reservation Pioneers.
Dorothy attended High School at Polson where she met Loyal 'Buck' Baertsch. Dorothy and Buck graduated from Polson High School (Class of 1939). They married after high school and lived and worked in Polson area. During World War II, the family moved to Portland, Oregon where Buck worked in the Portland Shipyard building ships for the War effort.
Buck and Dorothy had two children, Larry, who was born in Polson and Linda, who was born in Portland. Dorothy and the children returned to Polson to be with her family while Buck served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer overseas. Buck was honorably discharged in 1946 and the family was reunited in Polson, where they continued to work and raise their children. Dorothy had kept the home fires burning, watching the children and tending their home next door to Dorothy's folks in Polson. They made many memories there as the Polson athletic stadium was just across the street. This was the ideal neighborhood for children to grow and nurture in a positive community setting. The Baertsch family lived there until they built their new dream home on Highway 35 East of Polson in 1967.
Dorothy worked as Buck's assistant in his freight business until it was sold. Following that, she worked seven years for Main Street Market. Dorothy then was hired as an assistant Librarian at Cherry Valley School for 17 years until her retirement in the 1980s due to growing vision problems.
After retirement, Dorothy stayed at home, sharing her time with family and friends in Polson. Dorothy always had coffee and cookies ready for any visitors to her home. She loved to bake and enjoyed having company for dinner. Even with limited vision she could cook a storm of goodies. Dorothy never wanted anyone to be hungry.
Dorothy's interests included her beautiful flower gardens. She had a love for the birds of Montana and knew most of their calls and songs. She especially loved the Nuthatches, Robins and Chickadees.
When not in Polson, you could find Dorothy with Buck at the Jim Creek Cabin in the Swan Valley. This was her place of peace and pleasure. She and the family spent many weekends fishing, hunting, camping and hiking into remote lakes and secret fishing holes. In addition to her favorite birds, she kept many families of squirrels fed and enjoyed their antics from the deck of the cabin.
Dorothy was an active member of the Polson community. She and Buck bowled on various leagues; she was an early member of the Loyal Order of The Odd Fellows; the Priscilla Study Club, Lake County's first club established in 1910 and also a member of the Polson Garden Club. She became a valued member the Montana Association of The Blind and dedicated herself to supporting the Program. Dorothy was very kind, considerate and always put others before herself.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Linda (Ray) of Helena; two cousins, Marjorie Shoup of Missoula and Shirley Moore of Washington State. Four grandchildren, Todd (Kim) Baertsch of Polson; Michael (Marsan) Baertsch of Butte; Scott (Rikki) Read of Helena; and Cory (Angie) Read of Boise, Idaho; Great grandchildren, Tara Baertsch of Harlowton, Shelby Baertsch, a college student in Nebraska; Taylor Langus, Sparks, Nevada; Justice and Logan Read of Boise and Regan and Lynsey Read of Helena.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Buck and her son, Larry L. Baertsch.
Dorothy's funeral service is being held at Grogan Funeral Home of Polson on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with internment at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at Grogan's. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to North Lake County Public Library or the Mission Valley Animal Shelter. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Read Dorothy Baertsch's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.