Dorothy Lee Ochs

Dorothy Lee Ochs, 97, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on September 21, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born January 9, 1928, in Garden City, Kansas, to Roy and Bessie Plotner. Dorothy made Gillette her home in 1968, where she raised her family, worked, and built a life filled with love and faith. She married Archie Ochs, and together they shared 46 years of marriage before his passing in 1992. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Bessie Plotner; her sisters, Donna and Virginia; her brother, Charlie; and her husband, Archie. She is survived by her children, Sandra (Bill) Bondurant, Robert (Sharon) Ochs, and Rick (Anne) Ochs; her grandchildren, Chad (Tami) Bondurant, Brent (Nicki) Bondurant, Amy Ochs, Darcy (Paul) Gillaspy, Lauren Vanderloo, Alison (Shaun) Gee, and Anne (Grant) Hash; great-grandchildren, Justin Bondurant, Zachary (Jenny) Bondurant, Zoe Bondurant, Lexi Guesanburu, Josie Elder, Alanna Elder, Carson Vanderloo, Ana Vanderloo, Chloe Gillaspy, Gage Gillaspy, Finn Gee, Anna Gee, Vella Gee, Everett Hash, and Beau Hash; and great-great-grandchildren, Olia Bondurant, Archie Bondurant, and Lennon Stoner. She found great joy in spending time with the people she cherished most: close family, her nieces, nephews, dear friends, and extended family. Special friendships included Carol and Sam Levar, Dottie Speer, Janice Crouch and many others who blessed her life with love and companionship. Dorothy loved her Bible and cherished Gaither music. She was a woman of faith and a longtime church attender who was baptized. A skilled seamstress, Dorothy made everything from everyday clothing to beautiful wedding gowns. She was also a gifted homemaker, baker, and cook. She enjoyed fishing, reading, puzzles, and traveling, with special trips to Hawaii, France, and England. She loved watching the birds and squirrels outside her window, finding joy in the simple beauty of nature. She had a beautiful collection of antique Carnival and Depression glass. Her favorite color was red. In Gillette, Dorothy worked at Anthony’s clothing store and later at the Campbell County Courthouse. She also enjoyed volunteering in first-grade classrooms at Sunflower Elementary, where she read with students for several years. Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Primrose Assisted Living facility in Gillette, as well as the great staff with Hospice home healthcare.

Dorothy wanted to be cremated, and we will have a private graveside service at a later date.