Avis Dokken

Dokken

Avis Lou Dokken

Avis Lou Dokken was born here in Rugby, in 1928 to Harrison and Minnie Greene. She was the last sibling of fourteen children; 11 sisters and 2 brothers. At a young age, Avis enjoyed performing with a squad of baton twirlers and dancers at the old Lyric Theater during World War 2.

Avis married her high school boyfriend, Paul Dokken and they were married until 1987 when Paul passed away of cancer. Their sons are Curtis (Ann) Dokken of San

Diego, CA and Paul Trent of Billings, MT. Paul and Avis began moving continuously throughout their married years due to Paul’s insurance company transfers. This tour included, Fargo (Dillworth) ND, Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, SD, Grand Rapids, MI, Mahtomedi, MN, Denver, CO, Casper, WY, Boise, ID, and Great Falls, Park City and Billings, MT. Avis’s final two years were here in Rugby and the Haaland Estates until her peaceful passing last Wednesday. Avis made friends everywhere she went, spoke with family, sharing stories of her adventures and was the best at sending cards for any occasion.

Avis always worked outside the home. Some of her the many positions she held and loved were the secretary of Mahtomedi High School where Curt attended

school, secretary at Colorado School of Mines, attendant at the Billings Chamber of Commerce, volunteering at Billings Visitor Center, working at The Coffee Cottage Gift store, Rugby Chamber of Commerce, box office attendant at Metra in Billings and also a faithful volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. As is well known, Avis loved her poodles over the years and kept her in fine company since she never re-married after Paul’s passing. She was famous as a home decorator for every known holiday. Christmas was especially significant, bringing out all her energetic creativity. Her home was under her constant attention with no finger prints or dust particles lingering from yesterday. Avis was always on deck for a cup of coffee, breakfast, going out to eat or a glass of wine on the back porch.

Avis loved tending to her plants and flowers. It was always time to water them and take off the dead leaves.

She had much compassion and empathy for her neighbors in need. Outgoing and engaging either at Walmart or Shopko she made immediate friends of strangers, bouncing around spreading the joy of Christmas all year long.

Avis is survived by sons Curtis (Ann) and Trent; grandchildren Christy (Jesse) Ellerbee, Chelsey Halvorsen, Luci Dokken and four great grandchildren and several

nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Dokken; her sisters, Merle, Garnet, Alice, Alma, Gladys, Jane, Ellen, Leith, Faye, Betty Jean and Pat; brothers, Vernon and Harrison and her parents.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 17th in the Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby. Officiated by son, Rev. Curtis Dokken

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com