Dorothy Jean (Schendel) Novak passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024, with family by her side at Mountain View Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs at the age of 87. Dorothy and her twin brother Donald were born to Lowell and Lenora Schendel on January 19, 1937, in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
Dorothy grew up on the Schendel Ranch doing ranch chores, cooking, and helping raise her younger siblings. She was close with all of her siblings but shared a special bond with her twin brother Donnie. She told many interesting stories to her family about her childhood.
Dorothy graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1955. She married Patrick Michael Novak on June 30, 1956. Pat Novak passed away on April 2, 1995. They would have been married 29 years that June. They had one daughter Florinda Jean Novak.
Dorothy worked at the First National Bank; now known as Bank of the Rockies in White Sulphur Springs, Montana for 40 years. She loved her work and her fellow employees, but her favorite part of working at the bank was visiting with her customers. She was nominated employee of the year twice during her tenure at the bank.
When she retired from the bank, she took on a new adventure. She began babysitting her great-grandchildren Jordan and Tapanga. She was often seen taking walks with them or taking them out to eat at the old Truck Stop. She enjoyed this time with them more than any other until they moved to Malta. Dorothy then worked briefly at Edwards Grocery and Mathis Food Farm.
Dorothy loved to sew and was an excellent seamstress. There was nothing she could not design or sew and made all the families’ beautiful clothing. One of her sewing passions was making doll clothes. She also had an enormous stamp collection that she spent countless hours working on and a collection of cookbooks and history books that she treasured. She loved her hobbies which also included counted cross stitch, beadwork Christmas ornaments, embroidery, card making, cooking and baking. The grand kids said, “You never went hungry at Granny’s house.”
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Florinda Novak of Bozeman; grandson Cole (Karin) Mayn of Corvallis, Montana; granddaughter Amanda (Troy) Hanson of Pollock, South Dakota; great-grandsons Jordan Pierce, Bryce Mayn, Aydan Mayn, Jack Hague, and great-granddaughter Tapanga Pierce; her brother Bill Schendel and her sister Barbara Heggen; and numerous nephews and nieces and extended families.
A Funeral Service is set for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Yoked Parish in White Sulphur Springs followed by a burial at the Mayn Cemetery also in White Sulphur Springs. A Reception will follow the burial at the Yoked Parish.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 10, 2024
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
Following the service
Saturday February 10, 2024
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday February 10, 2024
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 10, 2024
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
Following the service
Saturday February 10, 2024
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday February 10, 2024
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Becky Johnston says
Dorothy was a wonderful lady. Always greeted everyone with a bright and friendly smile, and always had time for a quick visit. She worked at the Bank of the Rockies for years, and after retiring from the bank, she worked at the Edward’s Grocery store in White Sulphur. She will be missed by all of us…Rest in peace, Dorothy.
Cheri Bailey says
Dorothy….. what a beautiful, fun loving lady.
She was one of the most gifted seamstresses and
Beautiful cross stitcher. Everything thing she made
Was immaculate. She made some adorable clothes for her
Grandchildren. Beautiful Christmas ornaments!!
Dorothy’s beautiful smile and laughter will be missed.
Sending love to her family.
Carol Dullum says
Aunt Dot was a very special lady. She will be missed. There are so many good memories of her when we had family get togethers. I’m sure my dad, her twin, and my mom are enjoying seeing each other again. Rest in peace.