Dorothy Mae Rine, 90, of Wheatland, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the Platte County Hospital in Wheatland, surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy Rine was born in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, on Sunday, February 24, 1935, she was the daughter of Adlai and Edna (Schneider) Gidley.
On November 11, 1950, Dorothy married the love of her life, Ernest Wesley Rine. For nearly 44 years, until his passing in 1994, they built a life surrounded by hard work and relocation. Ernest’s work with the Carpenters Union took them across the Midwest and West Coast, particularly during the construction of many dams along the Snake River. In 1977, the couple settled in Wheatland, which remained Dorothy’s home for the rest of her life.
Dorothy was known for her unwavering work ethic and devotion to service. She dedicated 25 years to the dietary department of Platte County Memorial Hospital. Retirement didn’t suit her, and after stepping away at age 80, she resumed work at Platte County Legacy Home, continuing until the age of 85 when health concerns finally led her to retire.
She and Ernest raised five children, Rita Rae Massey (David), Teresa Marie Connors, David Ernest Rine, Eva Janice Ripley (Barry), and Joesph Travis Rine (Valerie). Dorothy’s family and her beloved cocker spaniel, Heidi, were the heart of her world. She was a gentle, soft-spoken woman whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. With a quiet strength and a delightful sense of humor, she brightened even the most difficult of days.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Rita, Teresa, David, Eva, and Joseph; grandchildren, Lisa Millikin, Kevin Rine, Cody Goodwin, Casey Goodwin, James Rine, Michael Rine, Heather Gross, and Travis Rine; as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Janice Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest; infant son, Rex Rodney Rine; grandson, Brian Lynn Ripley; cherished niece, Barbara Rhoads Geroge; nephew, Scott Rhoads; niece, Bonnie Jean Rhoads; and siblings, LaVerna Rhoads, Eugene “Gene” Gidley, Bonnie Adams, John “Jack” Gidley, and Leta Marlin Jordan; a very special son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Goodwin; and son-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Connors.
Dorothy’s legacy of love, laughter, and steadfast dedication will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the Wheatland Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Platte County Hospital/ Legacy Home Foundation, P.O. Box 1031, Wheatland, WY 82201 would be appreciated by the family.
Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com .
