Dorothy "Dottie" Otilia Carson

Dorothy “Dottie” Otilia Carson, 81, was born July 12, 1943, in San Luis, Colorado- the oldest town in Colorado- to Eutimio Jose Maez and Adelina Bernardita Sanchez Maez. She was the sixth of eleven children, part of a tight-knit Catholic family of six girls and five boys. Raised in a hardworking household that farmed the land and gathered firewood to stay warm, and to cook, Dottie learned early the value of resilience, responsibility and family. The Maez children grew up speaking Spanish. At home, they spoke English to their Mother, and Spanish, to their Father, while refining their English skills in public schools.

As a child, Dottie faced great adversity. At five years of age, she contracted polio and spent several years in leg braces, eventually re-learning how to walk. Despite the challenge, she remained determined and strong- traits that would define her throughout her life.

After her school years, Dottie left the San Luis Valley to explore beyond the mountains she loved. She spent time in Colorado Springs working as a nanny, where she discovered her passion for caring for others and keeping a home. Known for her immaculate housekeeping and eye for interior decorating, Dottie’s home was always a reflection of her creativity and pride.

She later moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, to live with her sister Suzie, whose husband was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. There, her outgoing and social spirit truly blossomed- Dottie made friends wherever she went and loved dancing, dressing up, and meeting new people. It was in Rapid City that she met the love of her life, Lynn, who was nearing the end of his Air Force service. They married on November 30, 1968, and eventually made their home in Gillette, Wyoming.

Dottie and Lynn raised two sons, Nathan and Jason, in a home filled with the smell of fresh tortillas, love, laughter, and endless devotion. Dottie dedicated her life to her family, taking care of their every need and capturing cherished memories through countless photos. In the 1970s and ‘80s, family travel became a favorite pastime. A two week family trip to the Hawaiian islands, was a pinnacle of her traveling adventure. Trips with family friends to the west coast, and states in between, were fun filled. Later, they often explored the Big Horn Mountains in the family motorhome. Whether it was summer campfires or winter snowmobiling adventures, Dottie’s homemade chili and hot cocoa always made the moments warmer.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Dottie adored her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Her purse and phone were never without photos to share or stories to tell. She was a true “people person,” with an incredible memory for names and faces, and a gift for conversation. Always willing to lend a hand – or ride through “Dottie’s Taxi Service” – Dottie was the heart of her circle of friends, offering help with a smile and genuine care.

In 2012, Dottie and Lynn began spending winters in Fort Mohave, Arizona, where she found great joy in the sunshine and proximity to one other her beloved sisters. Retirement brought her happiness, warmth, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. She loved that she never had to experience a snow storm again. She continued to cook delicious meals, shop with enthusiasm, and test her luck at slot machines with her characteristic humor and flair. The many casino employees will greatly miss her generosity… if Dottie won, all around her won, as many can attest to the $100 bills she gave out.

Dottie passed away on September 28, 2024, in Bullhead, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and friendship. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lynn; sons Nathan (Devon) and Jason (Kathy); grandchildren, Tyler, Alex, Kyle, Ainsley, Caitlyn, Kody, and Keygan; and great-granddaughter Adelina.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Gillette Senior Center in Gillette, Wyoming, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. All who knew and loved Dottie are welcome to attend and share in the joy of remembering her beautiful life.