Dorothy Ruth Dempsey, 95, passed away October 6, 2022 at Dells Care and Rehabilitation Center, Dell Rapids, South Dakota. She was born July 27, 1927 in Johnstown, daughter of the late John Stephen and Dorothy Bernadette (Rattigan) Brown. She was raised and received her education on the North Side of Pittsburgh at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, where Dorothy attended and graduated from Junior High and High School in 1946. Following high school Dorothy worked as a confidential secretary for the Social Services Director of Rosalie Foundling Home and Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dorothy was united in marriage with Jay Robert Dempsey on September 24, 1949 at Annunciation Catholic Church in Pittsburgh. To this union Dorothy and Jay were blessed with eight children. They lived in communities of Bristol, PA, Levittown, PA Grafton, WI, Norton, OH, Columbus, IN and in 1980 made their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Wherever Dorothy made her home she remained active in the Catholic Church, and the communities. Dorothy was a prayer warrior, with rosary in hand, she was in constant connection with her faith and prayed for her family, her community, and the world. A visionary and creative thinker, she strove to make her community better through charity, fine art and education including; poetry, music, volunteerism, cooking, knitting, sewing, crocheting, painting, bowling, historical studies, reporting, gardening, and mentoring. Always a Lady, her signature style included red lipstick and a stylish hat. She was known as “The Hat Lady” in various circles and would often greet visitors with a sparkle in her eye, a big smile on her lips and a song in her heart. Grateful for having shared her life are her children, David Dempsey of Apple Valley, CA, Thomas (Joyce) Dempsey of Hope, IN, Ted (Wendy Musch) Dempsey of Sioux Falls, SD, Joanne (Kevin) Kruse of Sioux Falls, SD. and Mary (Danny Wells) Moore, of Phoenix, AZ: two daughters in law, Linda Dempsey, of Waukesha, WI and Jane Dempsey of West Bend, WI; son in law, Gilbert Lloyd of Pope, MS; 17 grandchildren: John (Sheila) Dempsey, Jason (Christina) Dempsey, Jeremy (Jenny) Dempsey, Heather (Dino) Speranza, Harley (Roxanne Frank) Dempsey, Elizabeth (Paul Nemchek) Lemke, Catherine (Abe Alcantar) Lemke, Dan (Monique) Dempsey, Jeff (Jennie) Dempsey, Tim (Missy) Dempsey, Andy (Missy) Dempsey, Brock Dempsey, Adam Dempsey, Matthew (Miranda) Kruse, Valerie (Ty) Merchen, Ryan (Rochelle) Kruse and Paul (Shaley) Kruse; 30 great grandchildren; siblings Margretta (Ray) Mills of St. Augustine, FL, Peter Brown of NJ, and Kathleen (Stuart) Wood of Loganville, GA; two sisters in law, Jan Brown and Roberta Brown; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Brown, her husband, Jay R. Dempsey; children, Robert Dempsey, Paul Dempsey, and Dorothy Lloyd; siblings, five brothers, Ed, Paul, Charles, Thomas and Bill Brown; and two infant siblings, Robert and Antoinette. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday October 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael Cemetery, Loretto, PA. Local Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 1688 Liberty St., Ashville, PA 16613. www.gibbonsfhashvillecoalport.com