Dorothy J. Crist Pickle

Some people are always as strong as they need to be. Dorothy Crist Pickle was just such a woman, a lady of incredible strength, class and character, who triumphed over every challenge in her life. She was a beloved wife, loving mother, grandmother and friend, but more than anything, Dorothy taught us we could be anything we want to be, and do anything we want to do, too. Dorothys story began on a cold winter day, as the New Years celebrations ended and the calendar turned to 1918 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There was little to celebrate in those days, as America was still enduring the hardships of World War I, but Rollo and Marian (Beehler) Miller found a reason on January 3, 1918. They celebrated the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby girl they named Dorothy. Dorothy was later joined by her little brothers Gene and James in the familys home. Her parents raised their children with a great zest for life, for learning and living, and encouraged them to explore their talents. In 1929, the family packed up and moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where Dorothys dad founded the Anaconda Corporations coil division. Dorothy fit in just fine in her new home, and even began using her vocal gifts by singing on NBC radio stations. In 1932, Dorothy entered Muskegon High School as a wide-eyed freshman, where she first spotted a handsome young man named John Crist. It was love at first sight, and they dated all through high school. After she graduated in 1936, Dorothy began attending the Fort Wayne College of Music, where she perfected her vocal and pianist talents. But just a year later, she and John ran off and eloped in Indiana in 1937, staying at her uncle Rollies cottage. They had another, formal, wedding at her parents home in 1940. The newlyweds settled in Muskegon, where Dorothy went to work as a phone operator, and later at the Norge Plant, when World War II began. In 1943, John enlisted in the Navy, ready to do his part. The couples first child, Patricia, was born on August 12, 1943, and John shipped out just six weeks later. When the war ended and he was discharged in 1945, the family picked up where it left off, and the couple added Cheryl to the family in September 1948. Their daughter Jacquelyn rounded out the happy family in March of 1951. It was an idyllic life for the family for many years. John worked at the Muskegon Chronicle, and the family spent plenty of time together, too. Their summer vacations were spent at a rented cottage on Blue Lake, and every Sunday was spent at Central United Methodist Church together, followed by swimming, fishing and picnics at Pere Marquette Park. Dorothy also enjoyed riding horses, skeet-shooting, skiing, dancing, sailing, figure skating, and fishing, too! Most of all, she enjoyed caring for her family. Dorothy was a wonderful mother, who encouraged her kids (literally) every step of the way. The family rule for the girls was to: walk before one year old, ice skate and take dance classes before four years old, and learn to swim by six years old! Sadly, Dorothys beloved John died on September 4, 1955, at just 39 years old. It was their daughter Cheryls birthday, and the family was devastated by his loss. The following years were very difficult on the family, as Dorothy struggled to raise three girls on her own. But she was always as strong as she needed to be, and somehow found a way. In 1956, Dorothy took a job at Hackley Hospital as a medical librarian, which was good for her on many levels. She began to get out more, and in 1957 she began taking theater trips with the Muskegon Junior Womens Club; many, many trips. She was a past president of the club, in addition to being a longtime member of the Eastern Star, and Delta Sigma Kappa Sorority, too. In 1961, Dorothy married James McNally and they moved back to Indiana, where she opened her own clothing boutique called The Closet. After seven years in the demanding role as owner and operator, however, Dorothy had enough, and moved back to Muskegon in 1968, where she became a medical librarian at Muskegon General Hospital. She would remain there the rest of her career, until she retired in 1990 after 22 years there. She also moved back to Muskegon to care for her parents, lovingly caring for them for nearly 20 years. In the early 1970s, Dorothy bought a cottage on Little Silver Lake, which became such a beloved haven for her kids, grandkids and many friends. Dorothy was a very vivacious, outgoing lady, and loved to entertain friends. She had a tremendous sense of humor, and loved to play practical jokes, and threw lavish dinner parties, as well. Somewhere along the way, Dorothy reconnected with a man named Norman Pickle, who she had known since high school. They began dating, and a romance bloomed between them. The couple enjoyed camping together, at Elks Park, or taking trips to Texas, New York and even California. They were married in 1990, the same year she retired, and Norman moved into her home in Glenside. Sadly, Norman died after just a few years of marriage. After Normans death, a fellow named Forrest Hall began calling on Dorothy, and became a beloved companion for her later in life. Dorothy sadly began showing symptoms of Alzheimers in 1994, and eventually moved into The Hermitage assisted living facility, and later to Deboers Nursing Home. She enjoyed it there, where she was known as an elderly flirt and played the piano beautifully for her fellow residents, too. She was very content there, and loved the people and the staff. As the years went by, Dorothys disease progressed, and her health began to decline in 2007. Sadly, she died on Sunday, November 25, 2007, at the age of 89. Dorothy was a wonderful woman, a lady of incredible strength, class and character, who triumphed over every challenge in her life. She was a beloved wife, loving mother, grandmother and friend, but more than anything, Dorothy taught us we could be anything we want to be, and everything we need to be, too. She will be greatly missed. Dorothy is survived by her 3 daughters, Patricia Crist Church of Muskegon & Cheryl Crist of TX, Jacquelyn Brown of NC; 5 grandchildren, Amy, Jason, Tracy, Tiffany & Rachel; 10 great grandchildren; 2 stepchildren, Shari (John) Zamarra of VA, James McNally Jr. (Barb) of IN; special friend, Forrest Hall of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, Gene & James, 1st husband, John Crist & 2nd husband, Norman Pickle. Services are scheduled for Friday, November 30, 2007, 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Jan Johnson officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, 4-7 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association. To share a memory or photo of Dorothy, or to sign her online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.