Virginia D. (Dolecheck) Norton, age 87, passed away February 27, 2014 at the Fall River Hospital in Hot Springs, SD.

Virginia was born May 9, 1926, in Watauga, SD, to Clementz and Mary (Faiman) Dolecheck. She married Melvin T. Norton on February 12, 1947 at St. Bonaventure's Parish in McIntosh, SD.


Virginia worked in McIntosh at various cafes through high school and during the summer was employed in the local grocery store. After graduation she worked at Morristown State Bank. When she moved to Hot Springs in 1962, Virginia worked in the director of equalization office for Fall River County for 25 years and was the Deputy Director for 16 years. She retired in April 1988. She was an active member of St.Anthony of Pauda Catholic Church in Hot Springs.


Virginia stayed active in the ladies sodality in McIntosh for 9 years, church choir for 15 years and bowling since 1960. She attended the SD state tournament for many years as well as going to several National Bowling Tournaments. As a resident at the Pine Hills Retirement center, she continued to enjoy bowing with the "Wii" bowling. Virginia was very artistic and creative. Much of her time was spent making crafts, sewing and decorating. Her favorite of all were her Halloween costumes, decorating her home for the holidays, and her Native American art work. She received awards for her centennial dresses for herself, her granddaughter, and her "saloon girls". Her Mammoth costumes were a hit across the state. In spite of her impaired vision, she continued to help with decorating for the Holidays at the Pine Hills Retirement Center for the past 7 years. She enjoyed camping and fishing with her family and friends and enjoying watching her sons and grandchildren in their many sporting activities. She was also very active in coordinating and supporting the "Hot Springs Crunch Bunch" demolition derbies.

She is survived by sons, Gordon (Jo Ann) Norton of Hot Springs; Mark (Tamera) Norton of Hot Springs; daughter in law Sandra Norton of Rapid City; brother, Franklin (Lola) Dolecheck of Billings MT; grandchildren, Marcela (Donnie) Dillman of Bismark, ND; Lyle Allen (Tina) Norton of Hot Springs; Tracy (Mindy) Norton of Mandan, ND; Randi Norton of Sidney, NE; Michael Norton of Flag Staff, AZ; Robert Norton of Steamboat Springs, CO; Andrea Norton of Hot Springs; Matthew Norton of Hot Springs SD; six great grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren and several Nieces and Nephews.


Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin; son Lyle, five sisters, Tina; Rose; Christine; Veronica and Benes; four brothers, Louie; Emil; Albert; Chris; one grandson and one great grandson.


A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.


A cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service with Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 7, 2014, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs with Father Kerry Prendiville officiating. Internment of her ashes will be at the National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at a later date.


In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Virginia's name.


Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.