(Friend)
I remember Dee from my childhood as a wonderful woman with a warm, upbeat personality. After the family's move to Colorado, my family (the Parkers) met with them one or two summers at Spearfish, SD, and traded kids for a couple of weeks. I went with the Smiths to Boulder, and Marc went to ND. I have several very clear memories: Dee taking us kids to the Boulder Public Library, so huge compared to the Cando library, and a big hit with this book lover; of hearing her sing a solo at their Lutheran church in Boulder, not having known previously that she had such an amazing voice; of hearing Dee and my mother share their hearts one night in Spearfish when they thought we kids were all sleeping. That was a beautiful glimpse of the possibilities of friendship.
I am so sorry to hear that Dee suffered with Alzheimers her last years. My sympathy is with you all as you mourn her passing.
I remember all you kids, and have a few pictures of us from the 1950s. If you'd care to respond to this, I'd love to know about you all. My brother, Richard, remembers you, too, and I'd pass any e-mail on to him.
God bless you.