Dorothy Ann Buckner

Dorothy Ann (Sherrill) Buckner passed away on July 17, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on May 18, 1936, in Eunice, New Mexico, to Clifford and June Sherrill, Dorothy grew up alongside her siblings, Jack, Louis, and Mickey. She graduated from Hobbs High School, where she participated in the band and International Order of the Rainbow Girls, before attending Eastern New Mexico University in Portales.

It was at Eastern New Mexico University where Dorothy met the love of her life, Samye Buckner. They married on December 26, 1956, beginning a partnership lasting nearly 66 years until Samye's passing in 2022.

Their journey together took them to Climax, Colorado, in 1957, where Dorothy worked in Human Resources at the Climax Molybdenum Mine. During those early years together, they enjoyed the vibrant community of nearby Leadville, where they were active in the Elks Club and formed many lifelong friendships. In 1974, they moved to Tucson, Arizona, following Samye's transfer to the ANAMAX Copper Mine. In the years that followed, Samye's work led them to other mining communities, including South Fork, Colorado; Winnemucca, Nevada; and Erdenet, Mongolia. Wherever life took them, Dorothy embraced each new community, building lasting friendships.

After retiring, Dorothy enjoyed the life she loved most tending to her beautiful backyard, decorating her home during the holidays, visiting her sister Mickey in Hobbs, and spending time with family and friends. She and Samye opened their home to many who needed a helping hand and sponsored several students from Mongolia to come to Tucson to pursue their education. Her kindness was never loud or attention-seeking, it was simply the way she lived.

Above all, Dorothy treasured her family. She is survived by her sons, Neil and Randy Buckner; her grandchildren, Amanda, Chance, Eli, Bryce, and Tanner; her great-grandchildren, Aislyn, Waylon, Bowen, Brinley, Raegan, and Maximus.

Dorothy will be remembered for her spunky spirit, witty sense of humor, and the welcoming home she created. Her greatest legacy is not only in the places she lived, but in the love, she shared so freely with family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.