Dorothy  M. Grabemeyer, 92

Born: Nov. 12, 1920

Died: March 15, 2013

Dorothy’s life began in La Grange Township Nov. 12, 1920, the daughter of Ralph L. Jones and Amanda C. (Hurtle) Jones.

She was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Grabemeyer June 11, 1944, in Cassopolis.

Dorothy passed away on March 15, 2013, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dick Grabemeyer and her brother Carl E. Jones and survived by: her sisters-in-law, Maggie Grabemeyer and Betty Jones; her children, Dawn R. Grabemeyer, Eldon G. Grabemeyer, June C. Grabemeyer and Harold M. (Diane) Grabemeyer; grandchildren, Michael T. (Sarah) Grabemeyer, Andrea B. Grabemeyer, Aaron J. (Noreen) Grabemeyer and Mollie R. (Jason Smith) Grabemeyer; and great-grandchildren, Isaac J. Grabemeyer and Connie M. Grabemeyer.

Dorothy graduated in 1938 from Cassopolis High School, Cass County Normal in 1939 and Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in 1964.

Dorothy had a lifelong interest in education and started her teaching career in various one-room country schools before teaching at Eau Claire Public Schools from 1964 to 1978. She was active in local, state and national educational associations.

She was a member of the Junior Farm Bureau (sometimes called the junior matrimonial bureau) from 1939 to 1944.  It was through her membership there that she met her husband Dick.  She was a member of the local Home Extension Clubs, a 4-H leader from 1956-1970  and active in the Zion’s United Church of Christ, Pipestone Township, Berrien County.

She had a lifelong interest in politics and government, belonged to the Democratic Party and participated in local, state and national party activities. She was a former member of the Michigan Farmer Union and a member of the Michigan Sesquicentennial Commission, 1985 to 1988.

Dorothy loved reading, literature and “journal jotting,” as she called her writing.

Her family will gather with friends on Monday, March 25^, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be led at 3 p.m. by Pastor Doug Cuthbert.  She will be laid to rest in Pipestone Township Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Cass County Council on Aging. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Dorothy at www.yazel-clark.com