Theresa Lynn Doty entered the world on April 26, 1961, as a sparkplug of fiery determination to make her Big Sky dreams come true, coupled with a wonderful gift to bring love, comfort and laughter during the most challenging of life’s circumstances. After bravely carving out a wonderful life for herself and family, including becoming a phenomenal public servant, best mom ever, loving wife, caring daughter and best friend to all, Theresa passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 63. Our hearts are broken at her sudden loss.
Theresa, the only child of Don and Morraine Doty, grew up in Three Forks, Montana. Fiercely independent, she struck out on her own at a young age and joined the United States Air Force. There she attended the School of Aerospace Medicine and earned diplomas in Bio-Environmental Engineering and Industrial Measurements. She was stationed in Honduras, Germany, and even Chernobyl to ensure food and water safety for American troops. After her service, Theresa continued her education and earned a Graduate Fellow of the Institute For Court Management. Soon after, she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she was one of a few (at that time) non-Latter Day Saints to create her own miracles in the Valley. Her spirit was contagious and her laughter was so effervescent, it was impossible not to love her wit and incredible intelligence.
Theresa earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at the University of Utah, and launched a long-term career with the United States Federal Courts. First, serving in the Bankruptcy Court in the District of Utah, and then securing a Budget Analyst position at the Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AOUSC) in Washington, D.C. A gifted leader with a knack for connecting with people, Theresa thrived, overseeing several projects that increased effective and efficient government operations while building cohesive and loyal teams that launched successful initiatives.
Around that time, Theresa had her own baby girl, Alexandra, who she adored and loved with all her heart, sacrificing long-hours to commute from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, into her AOUSC office daily. Continuing in public service, Theresa relocated to the West Coast, spending time in the Yakima County Courts in Washington State, and then at the “Rocket Docket” Courthouse in Los Angeles, California for several years. Along the way, she met Mike, the love of her life and her second little miracle was born, Wolfgang. Together, the four of them traveled, laughed, learned, and had wonderful adventures.
Theresa lived life to the fullest, often saying “You can’t take it with you!” She spoke Spanish and German, traveled nationally and internationally, loved to cut a rug, and even played the spoons! She was a gifted communicator with a knack for getting things done. The family moved to Butte, America to be closer to her parents in 2011. Theresa is preceded in death by her parents Don (2024) and Morraine (2018).
Theresa now surrounds her husband Michael, daughter Alexandra and son-in-law Patrick Yuhas, son Wolfgang, and all her family and friends with love from afar. We all know she’s still hard at work pulling all the strings and levers in Heaven on our behalf. As always, she supports her loved ones with her comfort that we will always feel in our hearts, and good counsel that will guide us as we strive to move forward without hearing her bubbly laughter. We were all so blessed being with Theresa on our combined journeys, she was a true gift from God.
Until we meet again, Captain Badass.
Funeral services for Theresa Doty will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, April 26, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 329 W Mercury St in Butte. Graveside service for Theresa and her parents, Don and Morraine Doty will be at 1:30 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Plaza Bar in Three Forks immediately following graveside services.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Theresa.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Theresa and her family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 26, 2025
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
1:30 P.M.
Saturday April 26, 2025
Fairview Cemetery
2393 Kyd Rd
Three Forks, Montana 59752
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Saturday April 26, 2025
Plaza Bar
204 S Main St
Three Forks, Montana 59752
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 26, 2025
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
1:30 P.M.
Saturday April 26, 2025
Fairview Cemetery
2393 Kyd Rd
Three Forks, Montana 59752
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Saturday April 26, 2025
Plaza Bar
204 S Main St
Three Forks, Montana 59752
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Vickie Anderson says
Theresa was a firecracker in life; she always had something going on! We had a ladies parade drill team (Butte Pasty Princesses) one year and we had so much fun with the costumes and drill choreography!
I was blessed to work with her in the federal government. She was a dedicated employee and didn’t take crap from anyone.
My deepest condolences to Mike, Alex, Wolf and all family members.
Mary immel says
Very sorry to hear this. She loved her family fiercely . Prayers that all the wonderful memories will carry you through these difficult days.
Cleo Zickefoose says
I can’t believe she’s gone, we talked almost every day. She was my niece but more like a younger sister. She was always there when you needed a laugh or a tear wiped away! She loved to come for a visit and load her car up with what she called treasures. As a little girl I was blessed to take care of her in Three Forks and take her shopping to show her off. Everyone loved to say hello as she would put out her little hand to shake their hand. Theresa lived a full life leaving memories for everyone. She will never be forgotten! She will be greeted by her parents, Grandma Myrtle, our son, Devin, and all the relatives and friends that loved her so. God Bless you my “Dear One”, you will be thought of daily.
Jamey Lynn says
The world is dimmer without our T, aka, Badass! In reading her obituary, it reminded me of what a wonderful dancer she was, that girl could do anything, and all with an irrepressible joy! I could not have been the person I am today (nor the public servant I was under her tutelage) without her guidance and care. She loved her family, Michael, Alex and Wolfgang, as fiercely as she loved life. God speed dear one!
John Sandford says
Theresa was a great person. I enjoyed working with her in Butte. She remembered my face and name years after when we would see each other. She was always cheerful and made me feel good every time I saw her. Our condolences. Take care.
Tina McLean says
I’m still waiting for your next text!
Unbelievable I miss u so!🥲
I miss our phone coversations till early dawn…. We figured
It all out! Kids, parenting, our beliefs, what’s going to
Happen next in this crazy world, family…. Then we’d laugh
Over and over when we figured we were the sane ones!🤣
U KNOW all those answers now, Toots. Send me more clues,
I’ll see u in our next movie!😂👼🏻🙏🏻💜✝️