Dorothy Marie Bergman, 92, of Ashton, ID, passed away Tuesday, March 8th, at her home which she shared with her family and pets.

Dorothy was born November 1, 1923, in Webster City, Iowa to Rasmus Peter Madsen and Zora Marie Sheetz. Her family moved to Moline, IL where she grew up with her sister, Roberta Lenz. Though she was a child of the Great Depression she always shared wonderful childhood memories of growing up along the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities and adventures at the John Deere Experimental Farm in Moline.

Always enjoying an adventure, and being a bit of a rebel, she traveled to Ashton to visit family where she met Charles Bergman. On April 19, 1946, while the two of them were traveling back from the West Coast by train towards the end of World War II, they stopped in Butte, MT and were married. They made their home on the family farm in Grainville where they raised their family. Their home and their hearts were always open to a parade of family, friends and strangers who were passing through Idaho. By her example she taught her children to be open to meeting & welcoming new people and ideas, embracing new experiences and to loving people unconditionally and without judgment.

Dorothy was an active Christian, secure in the knowledge that she was a child of God, forgiven and loved by her Savior, Jesus Christ. For most of her life in Ashton, she was an active member of Zion Lutheran where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School, studying the Bible and was a member of the LWML. She attended First Lutheran in Idaho Falls for the last ten years.

Dorothy was an avid sports fan, cheering on her favorite baseball, football and soccer teams both in person and on television. She was faithful to her teams until the end – never losing hope that her Chicago Cubs would one day win the World Series! Along with her husband Charlie, and her sister, Roberta, she was one of North Fremont's greatest Soccer fans attending as many games as possible.

She was an avid reader, always having a book in her hands or by her side, exploring a wide variety of topics and encouraging her children to read. Music was also a great love. She played the oboe and clarinet throughout her early life and attended concerts in the area as often as she was able. She passed the love of music on to her children and grandchildren.

In November 1976, Dorothy started the first AA group in Ashton and remained an active member of AA for 40 years. During these years she welcomed and encouraged many people to a new life of sobriety and was grateful for the many people who supported and encouraged her.

Dorothy continued to support and encourage others through her association with other organizations in the community. She was a huge supporter of the VFW Auxiliary for the past 15 years. She was always proud of the men, women and families who served our country. You would often find her selling Poppies on Memorial and Veterans Day, raising money for scholarships. She volunteered to help with elections whenever possible and was proud of the fact that she had never missed voting in a presidential election. She demonstrated her commitment to fun, friendship and freedom through her association with the Red Hat Society. Dorothy and Roberta were quite a pair as they enjoyed many travels and adventures in their red hats.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters Anna Marie (Petar) Kokotovic of Santa Barbara, CA, Nancy Bergman and Esther (Tim) Ryland of Ashton; her grandchildren Michelle (Shane) Charles of Arkansas, Richard (Heather) Bergman of Montpelier, ID, Charlie Ryland of Tennessee and Emi Ryland of Ashton; two great-grandchildren Aspen & Payton Bergman of Montpelier; her sister Roberta Lenz of Ashton, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, son, James, and her parents.

Her family would like to expresses deep appreciation for the excellent care Dorothy received from Encompass Home health and Hospice with special thanks to Aleena Serna, RN and Baily Birch, CNA who cared for Dorothy and her family with great love and respect!

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM, March 19th, at the Ashton Community United Methodist Church with Pastor Larry Cudmore, of First Lutheran, Idaho Falls, officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Fellowship Hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorials in Dorothy's name to: Talking Book Services, 325 W State Street, Boise ID 83702; the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 89-Girls State, Ashton, ID, 83420;or Camp Magical Moments, P.O. Box 12, Swan Valley , ID 83449, First Lutheran, Idaho Falls, ID.