Dorothy Kittelson

Velva

Dorothy Ann Miller was born on August 2, 1937, in Brillian Township, Ward County, North Dakota. The daughter of Lucille (Simon) and Glenn Miller, she grew up on the family farm and graduated from Velva High School in 1955. That June, she married Jerold (Jerry) Kittelson. Together, they raised three sons–Cy, Cary, and Curt–on that same farm.

Dorothy graduated from cosmetology school in 1966 and began working at a beauty salon in Velva before opening her own salon at home. For over 30 years, she “beautified” local ladies and gave haircuts to area farmers. In 1994, she and Jerry moved into their home in Velva.

Throughout the years, Dorothy was involved in countless community events and organizations, including Music Mothers at the school and a bowling team with friends. She was a voracious crafter–dollmaking, crocheting, and everything in between.

Family always came first for Dorothy. She was the ultimate mom, grandma, daughter, aunt, sister, friend, and wife. She loved her family fiercely and would move mountains to help them, always without judgment. She was generous with her time, food, hugs, love, gifts, and laughter. A fearless advocate and a true friend, she was a blessing to all who were lucky enough to be loved by her.

Her grandchildren and their friends spent countless hours at her home, enjoying homemade lunches and devouring her famous chocolate chip cookies. Dorothy welcomed everyone with a warm smile, a cup of coffee, and a sweet treat from her seemingly endless supply of baked goods. Her freezer was always stocked with cookies, turtles, brownies, and doughnuts–there was something for everyone.

She never missed her sons’–and later her grandchildren’s–school events. Whether it was sports, music, or drama, she was there cheering them on. Her baked goods delighted generations of Aggie teams. During her boys’ wrestling years, she even brought scissors to matches just in case any grapplers needed a hair trim to meet the regulations of the time.

In 2021, Dorothy and Jerry moved to Valley View Manor. This past June, they celebrated 70 years of marriage with a party full of family and friends. As her body could no longer keep pace with the ferocity of her spirit, she entered hospice care in early November. In the weeks that followed, a steady stream of loved ones came to share back with her the love she had so freely given to them. In her final hours, she was surrounded by family as they sang songs, played guitar, and held her hand. Dorothy passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Jerry; sons Cy (Cindy) Kittelson and Curt (Karen) Kittelson; and daughter-in-law Cindy (Greg) Wiest–all of Velva; and brother Duane (Bonnie) Miller, Roswell, GA. Her cherished grandchildren include: Vanessa (Nick) Bembridge and Dustin Kittelson of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; Austyn (Kelsey) Kittelson of Minot, N.D.; Collin (Laken) Kittelson of Burlington, N.D.; Adrianna Kittelson of Minot, N.D.; Justin (Amy) Kittelson of Minot, N.D.; Jayd (Alissa) Kittelson of Victoria, Minn.; Cody (Amanda) Kittelson of Kindred, N.D.; Matt (Taylor) Kittelson of Velva, N.D.; Ashlyn (Sam) Woody of Houston, Texas; Michael (Lexus) Wiest of Velva, N.D.; and Zach (Sarah) Wiest of Sawyer, N.D. She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy in her later years.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Cary, and we know she’s holding him close in heaven having missed him dearly all these years. She was also preceded by her and Jerry’s parents; brothers Dick, Bob, and Don Miller; sisters Edith Peterson, Fern Brekkus, and Linda Miller; and many in-laws.

Per Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of her life will be held at the Velva American Legion Hall on Friday, December 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. Dorothy was allergic to flowers! In lieu of bouquets, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Velva Ambulance Service, which often provided Dorothy assistance.

Memories and condolences may also be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

(Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.)

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 13, 2025.