Dorothy M. Buys

DOROTHY MAE BUYS was born on June 22, 1938 to Raymond and Florence (Terpstra) Harms at their home on the farm south of Valley Springs, South Dakota. When Dorothy was young, the family moved for a short time to Larchwood, Iowa and then Inwood, Iowa where Dorothy attended country school. She went to high school in Inwood where she graduated with the class of 1956. Following graduation, she took nursing classes at the local college. While taking classes, she also helped her Dad on the farm who was dealing with health issues from his polio. She took a position at Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in Rock Rapids, Iowa where she worked in the nursery, attending to the newborns. While at the roller rink in Rock Rapids, a fellow roller skater caught her attention, Herman Buys. Dorothy and Herman were married on October 25, 1963 at the First Reformed Church in Inwood. The couple settled into life on a farm in rural Hardwick where they raised their children and made their home for over 52 years together. Dorothy stayed busy with life on the farm. She gardened, took care of the calves, milked the cows, drove tractor, and helped with all aspects of farming. In February of 2016, Dorothy entered Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota. Dorothy died there peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the age of 78 years, eight months and 29 days.

Dorothy was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and was a member of circle. She also volunteered as a 4-H Leader and was a member of the Hardwick Community Club. She enjoyed baking bread, making applesauce, traveling to auctions, and listening to the South Dakota Old Time Fiddlers.

Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her husband, Herman; children, Leann (David) Hoogland of Hardwick and Melroy (Laura) Buys of Edgerton; five grandchildren, Chelsey (Alex) Huisken, Cole Hoogland and Jessica, Miranda and Kayla Buys; and one great-grandchild, Beckett Huisken. She was preceded in death by her parents.