WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dorothy M. Samuels, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, March 12, 2014, at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Centreville.
She was born Dec. 15, 1923, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Byron and Agnes (Reichard) Prestidge.
Dorothy resided in Sturgis most of her life.
On Nov. 2, 1946, she married Clifford Vincent Samuels at First Baptist Church in Sturgis. He died Feb. 28, 2012.
She retired from Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 37 years of dedicated employment. Following her retirement, she became a crossing guard for the Sturgis Police Department and was recognized by the department for her 19 years of service.
Dorothy was a member of Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW Auxiliary, Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion Auxiliary, Women of the Moose Sturgis Chapter #613 and Eagles Auxiliary Lodge #1314. She enjoyed bowling, camping, playing competitive softball in her younger years, racing stock cars and following NASCAR, especially the career of Brad Keselowski. Dorothy loved playing bingo and her constant companion her dog, Bailey.
She is survived by three sons, Larry (Sue) Samuels of Edwardsburg, Byron (Pamela) Samuels of White Pigeon and Rex Samuels of Sturgis; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three step-grandsons; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Donna Bachtal.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today, Friday, at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Dorothy Samuels will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis will officiate. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will follow the service. Private burial of the ashes will take place at a later date at Ontario Cemetery in Ontario, Ind.
Memorial donations to the family would be appreciated, c/o Rex Samuels, 505 Jean St., Sturgis, MI 49091
