Dorothy Jean Severns

Dot gained her angel wings on June 11, 2023, at the NPVMC in Saratoga, WY, after a short illness. She was born to William and Annabelle Drake on April 19, 1935, in Loveland, CO. She called Encampment, WY, home for 79 years.

Dot was the oldest of eight siblings. In her early years, the family travelled around Wyoming and Colorado following the oil fields where her father, William, worked as a Mechanic. In 1944 her family settled in Riverside, WY. She and her siblings began school at the Encampment School. While she did not graduate with her class, she proudly received her GED in (year). She met her future husband, Charles R. (Chuck) Severns, at the Encampment School. Dot and Chuck were married on March 12, 1949, and welcomed four children to this union. They were married for 58 years. Chuck passed away in 2007.

 While raising her children, Dot also helped raise many other children, including her two younger brothers. In 1973, she was hired as the head cook at the Encampment School, a position she held until her retirement in 1991. Remembered by countless students as the best school cook ever, she is famous for her Chili and cinnamon rolls, brownies, and homemade meals, including all the bread and buns.

After retiring, Dot enjoyed learning to paint with acrylics and crocheting afghans for her children and grandchildren. During their retirement, Chuck and Dot loved to go camping and fishing. Their special place was Hog Park, where they spent much of the summer and even hosted the campground for one summer.

Dot was a revered and active community member throughout her years. She was an active member of the Sunshine Rebekah Lodge for 70 years until the time of her passing, having served in all the officer positions. As a founding member of the Sagebrush Thrift Shop, she volunteered her time until her sight prevented her from working. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made most of her children’s clothing when they were small.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, husband Chuck, brothers Thomas Drake and Cary Drake, grandsons Shawn Gray and Brian Gray, and great-granddaughter Skylynn Hall.

She is survived by daughters Cindy Walton of Saratoga, Sue Christensen and Peggy Huntley of Encampment, and son Ron Severns of Big Creek Ranch; sisters Mary Priquet of Encampment, Loie Long Washington, and Karen Moore of Boulder, WY; brothers Guy Drake and Jim Drake of Encampment, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren as well as many extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 23, 2023, at 1:00 pm in the Encampment School. Graveside Services will be conducted by the Sunshine Rebekah Lodge at the Encampment Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sagebrush Thrift Shop or the Grand Encampment Museum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sagebrush Thrift Shop or the Grand Encampment Museum.