Dorothy (Rickenbach) Pettegrew, 93, long time resident of Oelrichs area, passed away January 10, 2007 in Santa Fe, N.M.

Dorothy was born in Oelrichs, SD, December 14, 1913 to Benjamin and Mary (Colyer) Rickenbach. Dorothy lived in Fall River County, South Dakota for 82 years of her life. She attended country school the first six years at the Pleasant Valley School east of Oelrichs and continued on through high school in Oelrichs. After attending Chadron Normal College she taught in four different rural schools in Fall River County. Dorothy married Clifford Gieser in 1941. He passed away in March of 1948 and one daughter, Carolyn, was born in June of 1948. She married Ernest Pettegrew in August of 1952 and moved to the Horsehead Community. After Ernie passed away in 1987 she continued to live in their home until 1995 when she moved to Chadron, NE. In 2003 she entered Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Fe, N.M.

Dorothy was involved in many community activities including the neighborhood "Chatter Club" and several card clubs. She was a rural school board officer, assistant 4-H leader, and a member of the Oelrichs United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher and dedicated church Treasurer for many years. She was a member and officer of the United Methodist Women and a member of Chadron Does Drove #2. Dorothy and Ernie were honored as the Centennial King and Queen of Oelrichs in 1985.

Dorothy's family was the focus of her life. She was always there to offer her help when needed, but never interfering. All who knew Dorothy well will remember how she liked to cook for them and try new recipes. In addition to the organizations she was active in she loved to bowl and always looked forward to family and neighborhood picnics. She was very loyal to her community and always considered Oelrichs to be her home.

Mom and "Gram" will be greatly missed and forever honored by her family. We were very blessed to have her be part of our life.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Carolyn and Michael Mykris of Santa Fe, N.M.; grandchildren, Lisa and Michael Wade, Craig, Colo., Michele Mykris, Santa Barbara, Calif., Tim and Tara Mykris, Omaha, Neb.; great grandchildren, Abigale and Grant Wade of Craig, Colo.; her brother Herbert Rickenbach of Minatare, Neb., nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Gerald; sisters, Helen Kenoyer and Ada Lorenz; husbands Clifford Gieser and Ernest Pettegrew

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, January 19, 2007 at McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, January 20, 2007 at the Oelrichs United Methodist Church in Oelrichs, SD with Pastor David Anderson and Pastor Joel Rickenbach officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Oelrichs, SD.
A memorial has been established for the Oelrichs United Methodist Church. Donations may be left at the First National Bank of Chadron.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.