Dolores Jo “Casey” Bartorelli DeWitt of Lovelock passed away Feb. 9, 2026, in Fernley, Nevada. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
Born Nov. 4, 1940, in Elko, Nevada, to Tedo and Josephine “Machi” Bartorelli, Casey spent most of her childhood in Elko with her Bartorelli grandparents, with summers and vacations spent at the ranch in Buffalo Valley. She graduated from Elko High School and attended the University of Utah.
Casey – a weird nickname for Dolores, right? Well, nicknames come from crazy places. Apparently, when Machi was pregnant with Casey, her belly was small and reminded a friend of a casaba melon, from which Casey stuck.
Casey loved animals – whether it was the horses she rode or those she got sister Mikie bucked off, 4-H animals – cattle, sheep, even pigs and goats – to her Corgis and Chihuahuas. She shared the love of animals and kids with many who spent time at “Grama Casey’s” prepping for livestock shows.
Casey bore two sons – Michael Randolph and James Richard. After returning to Nevada and settling in Lovelock with the boys, she met and married Mike DeWitt on Dec. 26, 1975, welcoming her first bonus son, L. Michael DeWitt. Michael Popejoy joined the DeWitt family during his high school years. Living with three teenage boys was a wild ride, which sometimes forced the boys to have a conversation with the broom!
Casey was a huge supporter of her boys, hauling them to rodeos – although she closed her eyes when Michael P. rode bulls. She watched any sport they played and creatively cooked whatever game they brought home.
She spent her professional life working for Nevada Supplement Company, Pitt Mill, and finally for the State of Nevada Child Protective Services. She was a fantastic teacher and shared knowledge with many who shared the office at Nevada Supplement during summers of weighing grain trucks, filing load tickets, and gathering bushel weights.
She was active in 4-H, one of the original group that worked to obtain the Pershing County 4-H Building, and served as the beef leader for many years. Her love of youth expanded with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any kid that happened to pop in. She followed her “kids’” activities as long as her health allowed.
She waited a good long while for grandchildren and welcomed seven, who then brought spouses and great-grandbabies! Here’s a list of her greatest achievements who will continue her legacy: Michael (Lisa) Kincheloe, Michael (Jamie) Popejoy, Jimmy (Joanna) DeWitt. Grandchildren: Cody (Philipp) Popejoy, Kay Cee (Eddie) Paredes, Saval (Jared) Eaton, Jade Popejoy, Michael “Bubba” (Hailey) Kincheloe, Ciera (Drake) Judd, Rhet (Natalie) DeWitt. Great-grandchildren: Averie, Ian, and Addison Paredes; Jack, Otto, Aurora, and Hollynn Eaton; Maclenn and Josephine Judd; Ripper Popejoy; Hayes and Hunter Kincheloe; Wayne DeWitt.
Her sisters’ families brought her joy as well: Kirsten (Tony) Hertz (Madison and McKenna); Joey (Connie) Gottschalk (Sean and Bryce); Matt (Jamie) Melarkey (Anna, Lily, and Maisie); Bart (Carly) Steninger (Wyatt and baby Steninger).
Casey loved with her whole heart – family, her yard and garden, her Christmas village, photography, children, and animals. Her love for her sisters, Mikie and Dorothy, ranked high on her list. The affectionately dubbed “Ding-A-Ling” sisters only lived together as a family for a short period, yet their Basque determination led them to an ultra-tight sisterly bond. The role of the men in the sisters’ lives can’t be discounted, as there were many trips taken by the six of them, arranged by Dorothy, that included activities for both the men and the sisters. The two Mikes – Mike DeWitt and Mike Gottschalk – and Rex Steninger have been phenomenal in keeping these crazy sisters in line.
Casey also relied heavily on her Catholic faith and shared it with her family, although they may not have listened as closely as they should have. Thus, her desire for a final Mass with the mandate that all her family attend.
Dolores Jo “Casey” was preceded in death by her parents, Tedo and Jo Bartorelli; stepson, L. Michael DeWitt; and beloved husband, Mike DeWitt.
To honor Casey’s life, a Rosary with Mass to follow was held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lovelock, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Graveside service was held at Big Meadow Cemetery, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, followed by luncheon at Meisekothen Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pershing County 4-H Livestock Club in Casey’s memory.
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