Dorothy May (Etsell) MacArthur

It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy (Etsell) MacArthur announce her passing on March 6, 2026, at the age of 88.

Dorothy was the eldest child of Clifford and Hazel Etsell, born in October 1937. She had fond memories of growing up on the Etsell farm 1.5 miles east of Beaufield with her brother Harold. She attended the local one-room school at Beaufield until it closed, after which she continued her schooling in Kerrobert. As roads were not up to today’s standards, Dorothy boarded in Kerrobert, where she met her future husband of 62 years, Sherman MacArthur, while rooming with his younger sister, Jean.

Sherman and Dorothy were married in the fall of 1957 and made their home on the farm 12 miles east of Kerrobert, where they built a house and raised their five children: Dale (Michele), Douglas (Colette), Trent (Wendy), Bonny (Darcy) Whitford, and Sheryl Piteau.

While raising her five children, Dorothy was also a partner in the work on the farm. You might see her on the baler, running the combine, or driving the grain truck, all while keeping a busy household functioning. She enjoyed being part of the local community, including the Jellicoe Fireside Circle and UCW. As her children grew older, Dorothy began a home-based business and helped conduct the census, which connected her with many people throughout west-central Saskatchewan. Dorothy welcomed 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom will remember her with great fondness.

In later years, Sherman and Dorothy retired from the farm and moved into Kerrobert, where they enjoyed a quieter pace of life while remaining close to family and friends. Sherman passed away in 2019 after 62 years of marriage, a loss Dorothy felt deeply. Her final years were spent at Pioneers Haven where she appreciated the kindness of residents and staff.

 Dorothy will be remembered for her kindness, her hard work, and the care she showed to her family and friends. She leaves behind many memories that will be cherished by those who knew her.  

Her funeral service will be held March 21, 2026 at Kerrobert United Church, 320 Lanigan Street, at 2:00 PM

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Kerrobert Integrated Healthcare Facility for the dedicated and compassionate care provided to Dorothy

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