Dorothy J. Twellman, MD

Dorothy J. Twellman, MD went home to Jesus on December 20, 2023. She was born on March 17, 1947 to Harry and Julia Grawe Twellman in Silex, Missouri.

Because her parents valued a good Catholic education, at the age of 14 she went to Sacred Heart Academy, a boarding school for girls in Springfield, Illinois.

When she was 18, Dorothy joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in Cincinnati, Ohio. She remained with them for fifteen years. During that time she studied theology and natural sciences. She eventually entered the pre-med program at Xavier University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then began her Medical School training at the University of Cincinnati. This was followed by a residency in Family Practice. She enjoyed the variety of patients she could care for in this field of medicine, from birthing babies to comforting those at the end of their lives.

Dorothy then moved to the Appalachian mountain area where she practiced for several years. During this time she met her life partner, Diane Alvies, a Family Nurse Practitioner. Together they built a practice in Oneida, Kentucky. Tragedy struck when they lost their home to an arson fire. Subsequently, they traveled in their RV throughout several states doing "locum tenens" working for other medical professionals and facilities. This included Family Practice and Emergency Medicine.

In 1985 because they were really "cowgirls", the pair moved to Canon City with their dog and two horses. They purchased a property on "Eight Mile" which they eventually dubbed the "Royal D Ranch". They began raising Tennessee Walking Horses and at one point had sixteen horses. Sadly, Dorothy and Diane lost a second home along with a large barn with living quarters and 80 acres of trees as a result from a fire from the train in 2010. Faith in God and love of family, friends, and neighbors in the Fremont County community gave them the strength to rebuild.

Besides all the Ranch work, Dorothy spent the next thirty years working in Urgent Care and Emergency Medicine. In 1987, she began working at the St. Thomas More Emergency Room, remaining there for 23 years. During that time, she was also the Medical Provider for the Ambulance and Fire Department. She served as the County Coroner for 20 years. She finished her very satisfying medical career as the Medical Director for the Sangre de Cristo Hospice in Canon City in 2015. She felt blessed to be able to serve our community throughout her career.

She leaves behind her spouse, Diane Alvies, seven siblings, and many special nieces and nephews. Dorothy has donated her remains to the Anatomical Board of the State of Colorado. She has requested to have no funeral service. Please make any contributions on Dorothy's behalf to Sangre de Cristo Community Care in Canon City. Arrangements were entrusted to Harwood Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.harwoodfunerals.com.