Obituary of Dorothy Marie Cogburn

The family of Dorothy Cogburn of Greeley, formerly of Brule, Nebraska is saddened to announce that she passed peacefully on September 13, 2022.

Dorothy was born on October 20, 1936 to John and Emma Feit Sitzman of Greeley. She graduated in 1954 from Johnstown High School. After high school Dorothy attended Colorado State University. There she met Rex Cogburn and they married on November 26, 1955. They had two children, Perry Dean and Julle Ann.

Dorothy worked for the Weld County Farm Bureau while living in the Greeley area. During that time she was named Secretary of the Year by the Colorado Farm Bureau in 1968. When she and Rex moved to Wray, Colorado, she worked at the high school as secretary to the principal. From Wray, they moved to Big Springs, Nebraska. She worked at the Keith County Treasurer’s office, becoming the Deputy County Treasurer.

Dorothy and Rex bought a home in Brule, Nebraska and it was there that they made lifelong friendships and fell in love with the community. After retiring Dorothy enjoyed volunteer work, tending her yard and flowers, sewing and cooking. She loved trying new recipes and loved reading cookbooks. There was never a shortage of sweets and delicious meals! The yard was a labor of love, with many beautiful flowers, her favorites being the peonies and roses. Dorothy’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother in 1988. She was a member of the Ogallala Eastern Star and she loved to watch the Colorado Rockies on television.

As a gifted musician Dorothy played the piano and organ for many various occasions. She was the organist at several churches she and Rex attended. Some Sundays she would have one of her children sitting beside her on the organ bench. Dorothy taught piano lessons for many years.

Called Aunt Dot by her nieces and nephews, Dorothy will be remembered for her kindness, gentleness, patience, cooking and her giggle.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and husband Rex; brothers-in-law Ray Cogburn, Roy Cogburn and William “Bill” Frank; sisters-in-law Alta Cogburn and Mae Cogburn. She is survived by her sister Marge Frank of Hudson, Colorado; brother John “Bud” Sitzman and wife Judy of Lakewood, CO; son Perry Cogburn and wife Julie of Windsor, CO; daughter Julie Dixon and husband Jack of Longview TX. Four grandchildren, Brock Dixon (Amanda), Clayton Cogburn (Kayla), Katie Cogburn and Wesley Cogburn. Great-grand children Ava, Naomi, Eleanor and Ford. Brothers-in-law Roger Cogburn (Margie) and Russell Cogburn (Dorothy), and her special kitty, Ella.

A graveside service will be held on October 20, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Garden, 3400 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado, followed by a celebration of life reception at First United Methodist Church, 503 Walnut Street, Windsor. Memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice, 3770 Puritan Way, Unit E, Frederick, Colorado 80516.