Dorothy Stout

Dorothy Stout touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. She was a calm, generous woman who always thought of others before herself. Dorothy was the happiest when she was with her family, and in their company a familiar smile always brimmed over her lips.

In the early 1900's America was a much smaller country with a union of just forty-six states and only ten miles of paved road. Born in the year 1908, Dorothy's long lifetime provided her with a firsthand perspective on the many events that changed America into the country we know today. The Great War was fought when she was still a young child. By the time she was a teenager, the economy flourished amid the good luck of the Roaring Twenties. In the early years of her marriage, she and her husband struggled through the challenges of the Great Depression.

On November 25, 1908, William Dutton and his wife Minerva welcomed Dorothy Deane into their home in Kalamazoo County. Dorothy enjoyed a happy childhood. Even in her early years, she exuded the cheerful, positive spirit that would follow her throughout her lifetime.

In her late teenage years, Dorothy met a handsome man named Jim Stout. A romance blossomed between them, and they were married on March 2, 1927. This was the beginning of a warm, loving marriage that would last nearly seventy years. They settled in the Cooper area, where Dorothy would spend the majority of her life.

Dorothy and Jim were blessed with three wonderful children, Eloise, Joan, and William. Dorothy gladly devoted herself to her role as mother. She had a natural nurturing instinct, and she took good care of her family. Her children could always count on Dorothy; she was as reliable as the smile which so frequently sat upon her lips.

Family was always in the center of Dorothy's thoughts. In her later years she was pleased to see her family grow with the blessing of several grandchildren. Dorothy had a good relationship with all of her grandkids. Although her children all moved to different states, Dorothy organized many successful gatherings to bring the entire family together.

Dorothy and Jim were blessed with a special love that grew stronger with each year they spent together. Even the people around them noticed the strength of their relationship. In addition to being husband and wife, they were also the best of friends. Dorothy and Jim shared many interests, including a love for travel. Over the years they visited many special destinations such as Alaska and Florida. Dorothy always kept a photo of Jim by her bedside.

Dorothy will be remembered for her optimistic personality, clever humor, and serene nature. She was a generous woman who helped people whenever she could. For her giving heart and the many other virtues which made Dorothy so unique, she will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Dorothy died September 19, 2005 at the Northland Retirement Center in Marinette, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her husband James in 1996. Dorothy's survivors include three children, Eloise (Paul) Lancaster, Citrus Springs, FL; Joan(Robert) Fraik, Marinette, WI and William(Linda) Stout, Punta Gorda, Fl. She also leaves nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Susie Stoddard and two brothers, Lee Dutton and Edwin Dutton. Funeral services will be held at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, Michigan on Thursday, September 29 at 10AM. Please visit Dorothy's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to The Salvation Army or The Eastern Star.