Legacies of Love: The Stories Behind Kramlich and Dorothy’s Lodges
Every lodge at the Ranch in Billings carries a story—and there is no exception for those named in honor of Alvina Kramlich and Dorothy Hollatz.
Known today as Kramlich and Dorothy’s Lodges, these homes stand as lasting symbols of love and generosity. Their lives took different paths, yet both women left behind legacies that continue to shelter and heal children today.
Alvina’s Story: A Gift Born From Resilience
Alvina Kramlich’s childhood was marked by hardship. Orphaned at just four years old, she and her siblings were separated and placed for adoption—a painful memory she once described as being “picked over like a litter of kittens.”
Despite those early wounds, Alvina grew into a woman of remarkable strength and compassion. When she later had the means, she worked with the Yellowstone Foundation to create an estate plan to benefit future generations of children.
Her gift made possible the Kramlich Lodge, a home where young girls—many facing struggles like her own—find safety, healing, and hope.
Alvina’s story is one of resilience and redemption, showing how even the hardest beginnings can give rise to lasting good.
Dorothy’s Story: Quiet Service, Lasting Impact
Dorothy Hollatz served Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch faithfully for forty-seven years in the business office, ensuring that behind the scenes, every detail was cared for. Her quiet dedication supported our mission for decades, reflecting a life of service and steady faithfulness.
Yet Dorothy’s greatest act of generosity came after her passing in 2004, when it was discovered she had established a trust to help build a new lodge. With support from other women, her final gift became Dorothy’s Lodge—now home to young boys in need of love, stability, and care.
From the beginning, Dorthy’s Lodge residents have been affectionately known as Dorothy’s Boys, a reflection of her enduring spirit of compassion.
A Legacy That Lives on Through Kramlich and Dorothy’s Lodges
Together, Alvina Kramlich and Dorothy Hollatz remind us that legacies are built in many ways—through resilience, service, compassion, and quiet acts of generosity.
Their names now grace lodges at the Ranch, standing as beacons of love for children who need it most. Through their gifts, both women continue to shape stories of healing, belonging, and hope.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, available on Amazon.