Dorothy was born in 1924 in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Everett and Louisa Steneck. She graduated from West High School in Rockford in 1942. She was employed at Barber Colman Company until her marriage to Lt. Cyril S. Bartholdi in 1944. They had two daughters – Anita and Linda.

When Captain Bartholdi left for Korea in July of 1950, Dorothy and their daughters moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming. She continued to live there after his death. While there she worked as a bookkeeper, in the auditing department for the Union Pacific Coal Company, at the Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital as a medical secretary, and for the FMC Corporation as an executive secretary to the Resident Manager.

During her 20 years in Rock Springs, she was active in Women’s Club and PEO, holding several offices in both organizations. She was on the Advisory Boards that established the Western Wyoming Junior College and the Sweetwater County Counseling Service. She was also the Sweetwater County Chairman of the American Cancer Association. Because of her passion for music, she was also instrumental in bringing the Community Concert Association Series to Rock Springs. Dorothy was involved in her church where she enjoyed playing the organ for the choir and for many weddings and funerals. 

In April of 1970, Dorothy married James Franks. They left Rock Springs and together lived in Virginia...