July 7, 1934 – October 4, 2026
Dorothy Ann Wood passed away peacefully in Spearfish, SD on October 4, 2026 at the age of 92.
Dorothy was born in Mandan, ND on July 7, 1934, to Walter and Mary Staigle. She was the oldest of ten children. The family resided in Center, ND and later moved to Spearfish where Dorothy graduated from high school in 1952. She had many fond memories of the high school marching band and was proud of being a part of the Passion Play.
Dorothy met her husband, Warren Wood, in January 1952. At the age of 18, she flew to marry Warren in Memphis, TN, where he was stationed on a Naval base as a U.S. Marine. The legal age to marry was 21, so the officiant called her father for permission to marry them. Dorothy and Warren were joined together in marriage on November 29, 1952
They lived in many places in South Dakota and Wyoming, then settled outside of Hulett, WY on the F. A. Bush Ranch where they raised their nine children together. Dorothy resided in Hulett until 2024, where she worked at several businesses, and belonged to Buttons and Bows Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and served on the Crook County Services Board, and the Moore Hill Cemetery Board.
Her gift to others was her warm welcome and her contagious smile and laugh. She enjoyed her many friends and family playing cards, swimming, and sewing. She was a “go-to gal” for mending jeans or any patching to be done. She enjoyed staying connected by corresponding through mail with family and friends for all occasions. More than anything, Dorothy loved spending time with her family at large, gatherings. She was an avid record keeper of family genealogy, and photos were precious to her.
Dorothy was famous for making home-cooked meals, cinnamon rolls, and baking bread. She was especially well-known for her buns at community and family potlucks.
To her husband of 53 years, and her family she was a loyal, hard-working wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the glue that held it all together. She taught strength, morals, and a strong work ethic, along with unconditional love. Her love will continue through the lives of the people she touched. The memories and lessons, laughter, and love she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.
Dorothy was proceeded in death by her husband, Warren Wood in 2005; daughter, Jane in 2009; son-in-law, Bob in 2023; her parents, Walter and Mary; brothers, George; Bill; Martin, and sisters Martha and Roslyn.
She is survived by sons Chuck Wood (Carol); Dale Wood (Sherry); Jim Wood (Bettina); Steve Wood (Tina); daughters Joan Geis; Starla Crouse (Larry); Mary Kuhl (Mike); Sally Jewett (Tyler); brothers Charles and Tom; sisters, Marilyn and Mary Catherine.
A graveside service was held at Moore Hill Cemetery on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 am. A luncheon to follow at the Greater Hulett Community Center.