Dorothy E. Kugler, 106 passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Sterling. There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11 A.M., Thursday, April 19 at Chapel of the Plains in Stoneham. Following the service, dinner will be served at the New Raymer Community Building. All friends and family of Dorothy are encouraged to attend. A private inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Sterling.

Dorothy Ellen (Shepperd) Kugler was born in Arcadia, NE, March 18, 1912, to Roy and Mary Alice (Ducker) Shepperd. Dorothy was a true pioneer; she, along with four other siblings, homesteaded northeast of New Raymer to the ranch that is now part of Kugler Brothers Ranch. Dorothy spoke of her parents' homestead, a single-room dwelling housed by her parents and five children under the age of five years old, two of whom were twins. Seven more children were eventually added to the union of Roy and Mary Shepperd. Dorothy graduated from Lincoln High School at New Raymer in 1931 with honors, and she was able to attend her 80 ^th school reunion. Dorothy was a natural athlete and played women's sports, leading her Raymer team to victories, as far as the girls teams were allowed to play. She continued playing basketball with local teams into her 40s. Dorothy had wanted to be a nurse, but as the third child of twelve, there were not funds for a college education. Before Dorothy married Paul Kugler in 1935, she worked at Graham's Mercantile in New Raymer, and she was also a domestic for many area families. In addition to retail and domestic work, Dorothy played her violin in a local orchestra and played regularly around the area, and especially in New Raymer. She met her lifelong companion of 62 years playing at a dance in New Raymer. Dorothy continued playing her violin for community and church functions wells into her 90s.

Dorothy often spoke of the struggle to farm in the early years. She and Paul bought some of their early acreage for $5 an acre, but times were tough. She lived through the Great Depression and terrible Dust Bowl days on the prairie and never forgot them. Dorothy was a true helpmate for Paul and helped with the farm any way that she could. She always raised chickens, milked cows, raised hogs, ran a few pastured cows, and gardened, canning much of her produce. Together, Paul and Dorothy built a successful farm, which the sons operate yet today. Dorothy was a beautiful seamstress who sewed for her family and those in need. Her crocheted tablecloths and quilts were impressive gifts. Dorothy was a fun-loving woman with a good sense of humor. She was known for her little "tricks" for the grandkids at Halloween and other holidays. She was a big supporter of New Raymer School and later, Prairie School, and enjoyed watching her grandchildren compete athletically or participate in any type of program. She attended youngest granddaughter Kristen's athletic events well in to her 90s, even attending state competitions. Dorothy was a hometown girl, who loved New Raymer. She belonged to several women's clubs that were both social and philanthropic. Dorothy and Paul enjoyed playing cards and did so for many years. Paul passed away in 1997. Dorothy attended the Christian Church in New Raymer for many years. Dorothy's last years were spent at Devonshire Acres where she was much loved and where she frequently brought smiles to fellow residents and staff alike.

Dorothy often said that the best years of her life were those spent raising her children. The union of Paul and Dorothy was blessed with five children: Dean, and his wife Doris; sons, Roy and wife Margo, Joe and wife Teena, Jim and wife Carolyn, Jay and wife Rene; Dennis and wife Betty (deceased) and children Debbie Lyons (deceased), Patti Kugler-Moots and husband Sam, and Dan Hilliard; Bernita and Bob (deceased) Babb and Deb Marks and John Babb; Terry and wife Nancy, their children Steve and wife Meg; Lynelle Kugler and Rebecca Radke, and Kristen Kugler; daughter Bonnie Jean (deceased) and husband Gene Roberts (deceased). Dorothy is survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren and and considered them treasures of her old age. She has one surviving sibling, Edna Lowder.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Delbert, George, Dale, Don, and Dwayne Shepperd, as well as her sisters, Violet Miller, Ruby Shepperd, Reina McNicklas, Evelyn Neal, and Mildred Toomer.

Memorial contributions should be made out to Dorothy Kugler Memorial and will go towards the New Raymer park renovations in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.