Severns awarded 'Rebekah of the Year'

On October 3, Dorothy “Dot” Severns became the first member of the Encampment Sunshine Rebekah Lodge No. 20 to be awarded the “Rebekah of the Year.” Dot was unable to accept the award, having passed away earlier this year, but her children were in attendance to accept on her behalf.

Dot was born to William and Annabelle Drake in 1935 and was the oldest of eight siblings. Her family eventually settled in Riverside and she and her siblings attended school in Encampment. Though Dot did not graduate with her class, she did eventually obtain her GED. An active member of the community, Dot joined the Encampment Sunshine Rebekah Lodge in 1952 and was a member of 71 years at the time of her passing.

Her nomination for Rebekah of the Year came prior to her passing, but was a glowing review of her dedication to the organization.

“Her dedication to the Lodge, the members, her friends and family was vital and a natural love for her. She cared about the lodges, the members and seeing everyone that joined would succeed,” read a release from the local lodge.

In her more than 70 years with the Encampment Sunshine Rebekah Lodge, Dot held every office—both elected and appointed—in the local and District sections of the lodge. She served as secretary of her local lodge for a number of years. One of the things she enjoyed was sharing the traditions and rules of the lodge with all of the members. She also worked with everyone to make sure they saw and understood the importance of the Lodge and worked to help it succeed and continue on for generations.

The “Rebekah of the Year” is awarded from nominations received from all of the lodges in the state of Wyoming. The award was accepted on behalf of Dot by Ron Severns, Peggy Huntley, Sue Christensen and Cind Walton.