Dorothy Searle

Dorothy Jane Searle was a woman who loved big band music and dancing. She would sing harmony with her husband and joyously dance with him in the kitchen.She was a loving wife, a devoted mother and fun grandmother, who loved taking the grandchildren to shop for bargains and treasures. Through all the ups and downs of life, Dorothy's positive spirit was an inspiration to all she knew. Born on August 1, 1931 in Clarkston, Michigan to Asa and Elizabeth (Sheck) Rice, Dorothy was the oldest of the six children. Asa also brought three children to the family from a previous marriage. Asa and Elizabeth supported the family; Asa working at General Motors and Elizabeth teaching in the local school system. Dorothy and her siblings, Lois, Bill, Manley, Gordon & James along with half brothers Norm, Vern and Lyle grew up in the Clarkston area and attended the Pontiac Schools. In high school, Dorothys passion was swimming, belonging to the synchronized swim team, appropriately named the Catalina Club. After graduating from Pontiac Central High School, Dorothy ran into a handsome classmate named Dan Searle. Being three years older and a college man to boot, Dorothy couldnt help but be attracted, and Dan in turn was attracted to her. The two started dating (dancing to big band music being one of their favorite activities) and fell in love. They eloped to Angola, Indiana where they were married on February 27, 1954. Later that year, they were blessed with the arrival of their first child, Laura, followed by Dan in 1958, Benjamin in 1962 and Lynne in 1964. The young family lived in Ypsilanti while Dan finished his education at Michigan Normal College (Eastern Michigan University.) Dorothy found employment at Fisher Body and also assisting in a dental office to help provide for the family. After Dan graduated, he took a teaching position in Cement City, Michigan, where the family lived for the next five years. In 1962, they moved to Grand Haven, living in a number of houses over the years. Dorothy and Dan were loving parents, as well as a loving couple. The children remember their parents bursting into song at the mention of a familiar phrase and Dan was known to grab Dorothy in the kitchen, spinning her around and dancing to the delight of all who watched. Swimming, fishing and relaxing together at their rented cottage in Interlochen were times they cherished as a family. Their more extended vacations were spent in Florida, on the Jersey shore and in Colorado. At home, the family enjoyed the challenge of a spirited game of Cribbage, Rummy, or Manipulation. Adding to the fun and chaos was a menagerie of dogs, cats, turtles, frogs and even snakes! As well having fun with the family, Dorothy and Dan also spent time socializing with Dans colleagues from work. In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed reading and baking elegant wedding cakes. She was an exceptional baker and relished creating professional cakes for additional income and pleasure Unfortunately, as Dorothy grew older, she started to develop several medical conditions. She suffered from vertigo and osteoporosis, even breaking her back at one point. Dan helped her in whatever way he could, and Dorothy tried not to let her health problems get her down. When she could not see people in person, she kept up with her relationships on the phone. Tragically, Dan became ill, himself and Dorothy in turn took care of him. He passed away in 1996, after a long illness, leaving behind a grieving wife and family. This was a very difficult time for Dorothy and she sought help at a grief recovery class. It was at this class that she met a kind and caring man named Bob Chick. Bob had lost his wife and was seeking support, as well. Together, Dorothy and Bob helped each other through the grieving process. They became good friends and constant companions, attending movies, dining out, playing cards and engaging in spirited political discussions! As well as spending time with Bob, Dorothy also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Taking them to Goodwill and searching through the antiques and toys, Dorothy was always thrilled when they found a treasure to take home. It was like going to several garage sales, all in one place! Just a short while ago, Dorothy was discovered to have cancer. She bravely fought against it, right up to the end. Dorothy was a loving, caring person who cared for her family, friends and colleagues. Her love of dance and music was evident throughout her life. She was a wonderful baker and an animal lover. She loving took care of her husband when he needed her most. Dorothy will be remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her. Dorothy J. Searle, age 77, died Monday, May 18, 2009. Surviving are: Sons, Daniel (Betty) Searle of Jenison, Benjamin (Kim) Searle of Grand Haven; daughters, Laura (Steve) Myres of IA, Lynne (Dan) Dougherty of WA; grandchildren, Nicole Searle, Thomas Myres, Elizabeth Myres, Korey Searle, Arianna Dougherty, Andrew Dougherty, Kristina Castor, Kimberly (Dale) Dixon, Karyn (John) VanderVelde; great grandchildren, Amanda, Chad, Tabitha, Noah, Zachary, Hannah, Nathaniel; brother, Gordon Rice; special friend, Bob Chick. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan in 1996. Service will be a Memorial Gathering on Thursday, May 21, 2009, 2-4 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven with a time of sharing at 3:00 PM. Memorial: Hospice of North Ottawa or Harbor Humane Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.