Marion Ione Sorensen, who was known as both Dot and Dod, passed away peacefully at Kalispell Hospital on April 4, 2017 surrounded by her loving family after a long illness.
She was born in Chokio, Minnesota on September 6, 1931 to William and Myrtle Kaley She was the sister to William(Ole) Kaley Jr. and Kathy (Ray) Keeler both of Chokio, MN. She is also survived by many nieces and their children whom she dearly loved.
After living in many states around the country, Dot and Smoky made their home in the place they met, Montana, first in Great Falls, and then in Bigfork, along the shores of their beloved Flathead Lake.
Dot attended school in Chokio, went to business college in Minneapolis, and then moved to Hardin Montana, where she worked at the newspaper, and where she met her husband Smokey. After living in many states around the country, Dot and Smoky made their home in the place they met, Montana; first in Great Falls, and then in Bigfork, along the shores of their beloved Flathead Lake.
Dot was clever and quick witted, she was very creative, and was a fantastic cook and seamstress. She embodied the rare combination of being both very loving and respectful, and also very much a totally straight shooter. Dot and Smoky had a keen interest in local and national politics. You could always count on a lively discussion and a good card game.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her children Sue (Chris) Toppen of Green Valley, AZ, Chris (Sandy) Sorensen of Bigfork, MT, Cindy (Joe) Griffo of Burbank CA and Holly (Kevin) Sorensen of Encino CA, as well as her grandchildren Shani Kmetko, Lexy Cottingham, Garrett Griffo, Baylee Sorensen, Carter Sorensen and Angus (Goose) MacLean and four great grandchildren, all of whom she took deep pride in and deeply loved.
She was preceded in death by her husband CF (Smoky) Sorensen, her daughter, Jodi Dhillon (St Louis) and her parents William and Myrtle Kaley (Chokio, MN). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Rob Quist for Congress campaign https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/montanansforquist
or Emily’s List, which supports women running for political office. https://www.emilyslist.org
A summer memorial event is being planned.