Dorothy Helley

STOUGHTON
Dorothy J Helley, age 84, passed away peacefully at her farm on March 23, 2019. She was born on December 17, 1934 in Edgerton, Wisconsin; daughter of Gilman and Sadie (Maurer) Wethal. She grew up farming in Edgerton with her parents and siblings. She married Robert Helley in 1954.
Dorothy and Bobby were lifelong tobacco farmers in the area and were well known for their impeccable crops. She continued running the family farm by herself after her husband Bobby's death in 1984, and after losing her son Keith, her right-hand man, in 2005. A strong woman who worked tirelessly, she retired from farming just two years ago.

Dorothy was a natural caretaker who gave everything of herself and always put others first. If you were fortunate, you had her as a babysitter when you were little, following her around the farm and becoming well versed at all card and dice games.

She was an amazing cook and baker and you were one of the lucky ones to get her Klub or lefsa when she made it.

She loved to dance. Through the years in many local establishments she would dance with her sister Virgy, her brother Bob and her daughter Jenny. When she was young, she was an accomplished yodeler.

Dorothy created a beautiful bird paradise on her farm. She made sure someone took care of all the bird feeders and bird baths if she wasn't able to.

Dorothy had a passion for gardening and the gift of a green thumb. She took pride in her lawn and kept it looking like a golf course. If you were looking for Dorothy, you could be sure to find her on her mower.

Dorothy, "Slim" will be deeply missed by all.

Dorothy is survived by her children Trudy of Evansville, Allen (Syliva), Richard (Lori), Jennifer of Stoughton, Michael (Chris) of Albany, her sister Virginia Neath of Belleville, 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Bobby, and her sons, Darryl and Keith, her parents and her brothers Stanley, Wesley and Robert.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stoughton American Legion Post 59, 803 N. Page St., Stoughton, on Saturday March 30, 2019.

Please share your memories with us.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect St. Stoughton
608-873-9244