Dorothy Ellen Pender

Dorothy Ellen Pender (Ross) passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Eventide on 8^th, Moorhead, MN. Dorothy was born on July 12, 1932, in Fisher, MN, to Albert and Ida (Radi) Ross. She graduated from Fisher High School in 1950. She then attended Dakota Business College. After graduation, she worked in the Accounting department at Smith, Inc. She later worked for Rott Keller Supply and was self-employed at The Hill Lounge for over 20 years.

She married Jerry Pender in December 1952. They lived and farmed in the Downer area for many years. She later moved to Lake Franklin and then to Moorhead where she was living at the time of her death.

Dorothy graduated as Salutatorian of her class.  She  was crowned Fisher Carnival Queen.  Dorothy was always an avid Twins and Timberwolves fan.  A highlight for her was obtaining World Series tickets and taking each of her children to one of the games, cheering on her Twins.  She was a fantastic cook and we grew up on her famous homemade buns and fantastic meals.  While at the Hill, she became very popular for her homemade food, and requests for her potato salad were many.

Dorothy was one of the most independent, hard working people you will find, and each of her children live this because of her.  She enjoyed a good casino trip and a highlight was winning $10,000 in a slot tournament at the Westward Ho.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Barb (Ken) Wirtz, Rick (Michele) Pender, Cindy (Tom Griffin) Leach, and Jeri Reep; 10 grandchildren (Kyla Hastings, Josh Hagen, Courtney Zentgraf, Nick Pender, Travis Pender, Larry Leach, Jr., Lana Snyder, Mandy Perkins, Angie Hansen and Alicia Isakson); 31 great-grandchildren ; and many other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; parents, Albert and Ida; infant daughter; and sister, Elva Johnson.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at 1:00 P.M., at Elmwood Cemetery, Sabin, MN. A celebration of life will follow at her son Rick’s house beginning at 2:00 P.M. Guests are welcome to wear MN Twins and Timberwolves clothing to the service in Dorothy’s Honor.