Dorothy Jelinek

Dorothy Jean Jelinek, 86 years young and a long time resident of Casper, Wyoming, passed away Wednesday, November 9th at her home surrounded by loving family and her beloved kitties and pups. As had her mother before her, she led a well fought two year battle against pancreatic cancer with amazing grace, dignity and consumate courage. She was born August 3, 1930 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Charles "Ray" and Edna Bird and was raised in the time of the Great Depression. Born into a railroad family, the "Bird Kids" were no strangers to hard work and good practical sense, traits that she carried throughout her lifetime and strove to instill in her children. First and foremost, to Dorothy Jean was her love and devotion to her family. She was raised in and around numerous small Kansas towns, graduating from Garnett High School in Garnett, Kansas, in 1948. Family ties ultimately led her to Worland, Wyoming, where she met and married Don Jelinek, October 31, 1949. Yes, HALLOWEEN! Sons Donald Ray and Richard Dean were born, completing the family in 1959 with daughter Debbie on October 31, 1959. Again HALLOWEEN! Dorothy Jean took great pride in her roles as wife, mother and homemaker. She always stood by to help someone in need, family, friend or a total stranger. Her greatest joy was to share and do for others. Dorothy Jean devoted herself primarily to her family, but she held a very special place in her heart for friendships. Various family enterprises, throughout the years, showed her savy business sense. The late 1960's with her family in school, she began in home childcare. She successfully sold Avon for a time, developing long friendships that she cherished to her final days. Missing her true calling in the real estate world, she was involved in residential rentals with her parents, her husband, and ultimately her children. During the oilfield boom of the 1970's she helped to found and operate 4D Hot Shot Service with her son Donny Ray for nearly 25 years. She truly devoted her life to her family, her children and anyone that was ever in need. Well into her 80's she continued to volunteer, help others, and care for her family home and pets until illness made it impossible in her final days. She always made the most of every minute and disliked the thought of the time wasted being sick. She knew that she wouldn't be taken one minute before God intended, but also that in her time here, her goal was to do as much good as she was able and as little harm as possible. She anticipated a heavenly family reunion and was predeceased by her parents Ray and Edna, brothers Herrell Bird and Wayne Bird, Sister Wilma Norton and Infant son Richard Dean. She is survived by her son, Donald Ray Jelinek and daughter Debbie Jelinek, both of Casper, nieces and nephews. Although no formal services are planned at this time, the family asks that you consider Dorothy Jeans love of animals and people and donate to a local animal charity or food bank.