Dorothy Clegg

Dorothy Eileen was born on March 25, 1924, in a sod house east of Haigler, Nebraska, which was built by her parents, Oren and Allie (Porter) Bush, with the help of a neighbor. The house had two bedrooms and a large main room. Dorothy often described the hardships of the dust bowl and depression years during her childhood.

She began schooling at the young age of four in school district 42, located about a mile west of their home, traveling through pastures with her older brothers, Don and Dale. Because of her mother's need to assist her father with his work, Dorothy couldn't stay home alone, so attended school, which she was very eager to do. School days often ended around noon due to the invading darkness, caused by the "Texas Dirt" storms. The teacher, Evelyn Myer, would cover their faces with cloths to shield them from the fine dust as they walked home across the pastures.

On September 1, 1941, Dorothy married her high school sweetheart, Neal Clegg, which coincided with his parents' 24th wedding anniversary and his sister's second wedding anniversary. Together, they raised two children, Janet Eileen and Steven Lee, while sustaining themselves through farming and ranching. Dorothy was an avid gardener, not only with making certain there was enough canned produce for the following year, but the flowers she grew would light up anyone’s world. She was a skilled seamstress, mastering the treadle machine under her mother's guidance. Her expertise in sewing extended to creating her own suits and dresses, and outfits for Janet and Steve. She became a dedicated 4-H leader, imparting her sewing skills to numerous girls who, to this day, carry on the abilities of sewing. She and Neal organized a square dance group for the 4-Her’s and taught them to “do si do, allemande, and promenade.” An adult square dance club was also organized. She earned a recognition pin from AK-SAR-BEN for her 25 years of selfless service.

Dorothy was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Haigler, where she taught Sunday School to high school students and led crafts during Vacation Bible School, including leather crafting, copper enamel jewelry, and woodworking. She was honored the Dedicated Light recognition from the Haigler United Methodist Women which supports mission work.

Artistry was Dorothy's passion throughout her life. Starting with a small paint set in grade school, she pursued various mediums such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, scratchboard, and pen and ink. She excelled in stained glass and ventured into weaving, and silk screening. No task was too intimidating for her to tackle. Upon moving to Wray, Colorado, Dorothy co-owned a furniture upholstery and drapery business before establishing a framing shop, where she taught art classes to students of all ages, sold art supplies and framed artwork for the community. Her commitment extended to the Night Owls, later known as the Wray Art Guild, contributing her talents to set construction and landscape painting for productions by the Cliff Dwellers Acting and Singing Society.

Dorothy was a longtime member of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron for many years in Dundy County and remained active after relocating to Wray. She was deeply involved in the Wray Sorosis Club. She also liked to try for a hole-in-one in rounds of golf as she played with friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Oren and Allie Bush, brothers Don, Dale, and Dave, her daughter Janet Clegg McQuay, and her son Steve. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lonna Clegg; nieces Karen Harford, Jeanie Thompson, and Lynn Kapeller; nephews Mark, Noel, Eddie, Rick and Allan Bush; step grandson Shane Sorden and granddaughter Katrina Rushing along with a host of other family and friends.

She had an artist’s eye and saw the world through that creative perspective. Her teaching of life skills will not be forgotten.