Dorothy's Obituary
Dorothy Rohrer Sowa, aged 85, from Great Falls, MT was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Her bright light will be missed by all that know her but take comfort in knowing she is with the loving Father.
Dorothy Margerite (Rohrer) Sowa was born on June 15, 1938, in Glasgow, Montana to Paul and Sarah (Whitbread) Rohrer. She was the only surviving girl out of a family with four boys. The Rohrer family were farmers in Glasgow. Dorthy graduated from Glasgow High School in 1956. She attended Montana State College (Montana State University) with a Bachelor of Science and a master’s in nursing.
She began her career as a nursing educator five days after she graduated with her BSN. She worked 14 hours a day that first quarter just to stay one step ahead of her students. After a year of teaching, she went back for her master’s in nursing.
Dorothy worked for over 26 years as a nursing educator at Montana State University and Northern Montana College (MSU Northern). She was the chair of the nursing department for 3 years at Northern. During her tenure with both schools, she served many professional communities including American Red Cross, Cascade Mental Health association, and several MNA (Montana Nurses Association) committees. She was a lifelong member of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Theta Taw, and MSU Alumni association.
Dorothy was the first Director of Nursing (DON) for Montana Deaconess Skilled Nursing Center (Benefis Health System extended care). During her time as DON the new nursing home was designed, built and 102 patients moved across town with no incident. She retired in 1996 and was then able to spend time with grandkids, daughters and their families, as well as traveling the world.
After she retired, she volunteered for the Montana History Museum and ushered at events in the Civic Center. She was a Member of New Hope Lutheran Church and worked on the bulletins and compiling history scrap books.
Dorothy’s hobbies were scrapbooking, quilting, knitting, Portage Homemakers Club, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Dorothy’s Family was her pride and joy, raising them by herself when they were very small children. She also enjoyed all her students, employees, and patients with whom she was involved.
Dorothy is survived by her three daughters, Joan (David) Douglas, Bev (Brian) Novak, and Christine Sowa; grandkids, Matthew (Fiancé Courtnee Grubb) Douglas, Annie (Andy) Davis, Sarah Novak, Patrick Novak; great-grandson, Otis Davis; bonus granddaughter, Ashley (Dario) Angelo; bonus great-grandsons, Landon Angelo and Daniel Angelo; brothers, Doug (Carol) and Dick; sister-in-law, Roberta Rohrer (Arnold); and several nephews and nieces. Proceeding her in death were Sarah and Paul Rohrer, Lenord Rohrer, Arnold Rohrer, Sarah Lilian Rohrer, and baby girl Rohrer.
A celebration of life will be held on February 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Lutheran Church, Great Falls, with a live streaming option available. Tammy Bull will be officiating. The burial will be at a later date.
