Dorothy Mae Rantala-Bales

Dorothy Mae Rantala-Bales, 91 years young, passed away at her home in Libby, Montana, on April 27, 2024. 

She was born on Sept. 1, 1932, in Maumee, Arkansas.

Dorothy graduated from Port Wing High School, Wisconsin, in 1952. She and Marvin L. Rantala married in Camp Polk, Louisiana. They were married from 1952 until 1975. Later, Dorothy met Stan Bales and they were married in Libby, Montana, in 1977. Stan later passed away in 2012.

Dorothy was the beloved bedrock and foundation of a giant family tree. Born to a family of 12 children, she forged deep and enduring bonds with her siblings that shaped her into the compassionate and resilient person she was. She raised nine children and was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

Dorothy was the source of many fond and funny memories. She cherished sharing stories of her childhood and life; teaching her children and grandchildren many family traditions to hand down the line. Dorothy maintained a lovely garden, raised chickens and shared her vast knowledge with everyone interested in listening. She shared tough life lessons and wisdom, always woven with hilarious family lore. 

She lived her deep Christian faith every day. An excellent example up to the very end, singing praises to God from her hospice bed. Dorothy was a strong, loving, funny woman who will be missed dearly by so many people. We celebrate her life and the countless blessings she brought to our large family. 

Rest In Peace, Mom. Your whole fabulous flock loves and misses you!

Dorothy is preceded in death by parents Wylie and Marjori Tutor; husbands Marvin L. Rantala Sr. and Stanley Bales; son Rodney Rantala; sisters Pearl Sitman, Ethye Bartholomew and Amelia Hatcher. 

She is survived by her brothers James Tutor, George Tutor, Johnny Tutor, Gerald Tutor; sisters Alice Matson, Juanita Martin, Helen Henning, Florence Schact; children Marvin Rantala Jr. of Wisconsin, David Rantala (Shaleen) of Idaho, Gary Rantala (Grace) of Montana, Yvonne Little (Bruce) of Montana, Dorothy “DeeDee” Clark (John) of Montana, Cecilia Hurt (Devin) of Idaho, William “Bill” Rantala (Carol) of Montana, Gregory “Greg” Rantala of Montana; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. 

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.