Carol Ann Bottomley, 79, of Dodge, formerly of Scribner and Rapid City, South Dakota, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at Parkview Home in Dodge.
Carol was born to Arthur and Bertha Zeller on May 11, 1943, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Carol Ann had 3 older sisters, Lois, Phyllis, LaVonne and 1 brother, Norman. She lived most of her life in Rapid City where she was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She loved going to Bible Studies, Women’s Retreats, participated on the Praise Team, and was an active member of LWML.
Her three children, James, Carol Sue, and Jennifer all attended Zion Lutheran School. She wanted to be sure that her children knew that church would always be an important part of their lives, as it was to her. She was a loving mother, a fun Grandma, and loved little ones. When she became a Grandma, she spent as much time as possible with them; taking them to the park for picnics or to feed the ducks at Canyon Lake.
Carol worked at the utility company shortly before the 1972 flood in Rapid City. While there, she met her lifelong friend, Judy (Archer) Storebo who remains close to family to this day. After that, she worked for South Dakota Job Service until she retired. She made many friends there and many whom she kept in touch with, especially Sheryl Gardella.
After retirement, she moved to Nebraska to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren at sporting events, schools or church programs, or just having them over for dinner. Some of their favorite memories of being with grandma were watching football or movies at her place with plenty of popcorn and cans of Coke! In her own time, she loved to do needlework, read books, do puzzle books, and play piano. She also enjoyed keeping up with friends by writing letters and looking through her pictures of family. Family was what she always loved the most and brought her the greatest joy.
Unfortunately, Carol was afflicted with the terrible and debilitating disease of dementia, the same as her mother and her sister, Phyllis. As the disease progressed, we knew she still enjoyed every visit from family and friends. She would especially light up when the grandchildren came to see her and eventually, her great-granddaughter, Evelyn. The disease eventually made her a prisoner of her infirmities and she no longer spoke, but we still saw sparks when she’d hear music and laughter.
Carol is survived by son James Bottomley of Rapid City and daughters, Carol Sue (Patrick) Dunklau of Scribner and Jennifer (Shane) Kreager of Valley, her grandchildren; Jessi, Kassi, Aaron, Alan, David, Olivia and six great-grandchildren.
No services will be held at this time.
