Dorothy Ann (Plummer) Opp of rural Timber Lake died unexpectedly November 29, 2023. She was born to Harold and Amalia (Stabler) Plummer on February 8, 1929, at home near what is now the Little Moreau Country Club.

As did many families of the Depression Era 1930s they moved to several communities in North Central South Dakota before settling in Miles City, Montana where she graduated from high school. After graduating she traveled with friends back to Timber Lake where she met William Frank (Bill) Opp. She and Bill fell in love and were married on September 22, 1949. They were blessed with 2 daughters and 3 sons. As a young couple they moved to Montana and then Oregon looking for adventure and work before returning to Timber Lake, where they started farming and ranching south of town.

You could find her out doing chores, milking cows, and hauling bales as easily as in the house baking and making meals. She had many lifelong friends and always had the coffee pot on with cookies to share. In addition to being a farm wife and all the activities and responsibilities that entails, she made time to run the sale barn cafe for several years and later to plant trees with the conservation district. She always had a large garden and knew that if she sent any of us out to gather vegetables that we would return after eating as many as we brought to the house. She was proud to have hosted the Wounded Knee Riders as their trail passed the property.

She stayed on the ranch after Bill’s passing, managing and operating the ranch until her death. For 18 years, she stood as the head of her family and a pillar of the community. She had a keen interest and zest for life that kept her young. Dorothy was a pioneer woman of great strength and tenacity, who was loved and admired by many. Her kind spirit left an imprint on all whom she knew, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was most revered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved coming to see her for cooking their favorite meals, “jobs” she always had for them to do, and stories she would share. She was interested in each of their lives, having a special relationship with each one. They were all regular visitors to her country house and appreciated her welcoming smile and simple rustic lifestyle. All of her grandchildren had their first driving lesson over the bumpy dirt road in her old red pickup. She loved having them come often to stay as long as they liked. They will cherish these memories.

She will be missed.

Dorothy was preceded in death by: her husband William (Bill) Opp in 2005; her parents Harold and Amalia; her sisters: Betty, Jean, Yvonne, Donna, Diane; and brother Charles.

Dorothy is survived by her 5 children: Duane (Peggy) Opp, Wanda Opp, Russell Opp, Conita (Tom) Jones, and Clint Opp; 8 grandchildren: Lezlie (Ben) Kinsinger, Aaron (Keegan) Opp, Tammy (Randy) Richardson, Alexis (Wade) Handsaker, Grant (Elyse) Young, Ben (Emma) Young, Chase (Sabine) Jones, and Paige (Joey) Opp; 6 great-grandchildren: Kealy Hill, Lucas Hill, Elon Opp, Holden Handsaker, Landon Handsaker, and Rowan Opp; and her younger sister, Twila Wilhelm and many other friends and family.