Dorothy J. Beattie

Dorothy Jean Beattie was a spirited woman with firm beliefs. She was grounded in faith, love of family and generosity to others. She was multi-talented and eager to try most anything. Passionate about the business she ran, she continued her parents’ legacy and contributed to her community. In all her activity, Dorothy maintained a compassionate heart and quiet spirit that made her life rich and full.

Dorothy’s story began April 19, 1923 in Muskegon, Michigan as the United States was recovering from the First World War and straining to rebuild the economy. With growth in industry and employment, Americans were eager to celebrate, and the period of the Roaring Twenties was born. However, by the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic depression. Like others of her generation who survived a financial crisis, Dorothy was shaped by the values of family, work and frugality.

Dorothy Jean came into the world by the light of an oil lamp, but even then, her parents could see that they had been blessed with a beautiful little girl. Soon after she was born, Frank A. and Marie (Hostad) Beattie were inspired to start a new venture, so from working at Teledyne Continental Motors, Frank moved into farming. He and Marie raised vegetables that they sold at the large farmers market in Detroit. When Dorothy was old enough to accompany her father, she was thrilled, but that meant the family was not able to take as much produce to sell. Likely it was a good trade-off because Dorothy was a big help around the farm, taking care of the chickens and providing an extra hand wherever needed.

Over time, the farm grew to include a nursery, and Dorothy’s parents also ran a store and gas station. Always thinking and moving ahead, her father invented the first vending machine, for which he received a patent. Similarly, Dorothy’s own eagerness and independence would move her to venture where she felt led.

Dorothy’s childhood was stable as well as unique. She was the first on her street to get a bike, yet she readily let the neighborhood kids ride it. She attended Sunny Side Elementary and though girls were seldom encouraged in math and science, Dorothy excelled. Every Sunday, the family enjoyed a sit-down roast dinner, but being the only child, she had adult conversations. Then when she was already in her teens, her parents adopted Varney Milner and Dorothy finally had a brother. In her late teens early twenties, she started visiting various churches and found her place at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Dorothy was very passionate about her Catholic faith, and it was evident in her life.

After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1941, Dorothy spread her wings and traveled a bit. However, it didn’t take her long for her to decide that Muskegon was truly her home. She went back to her parents’ farm and set about converting the chicken coop into a house. The transformation, with its increased square footage and all new mechanics, was so impressive that her parents took notice. One day, Dorothy came home to find them in her house and pronouncing that they liked hers better than theirs. So Dorothy let her parents have the house and she built another one. It proved the right move because, when Dorothy became the Treasure for Dalton Township, the office was in her house.

Dorothy served as township treasurer for ten years, but her life was the family business. She became the owner of Beattie's Nursery and worked hard for 30 years to keep the farm going into the mid 1990s. Dorothy was not afraid to try new things, such as helping to reroof a barn by climbing the height of three stories. She was masterful at driving tractor and delighted in taking the neighborhood kids for hayrides and inviting their families for cookouts. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling with her brother Varney and his wife Ruthann, especially to Las Vegas, and trips with her church friends took them as far away as Israel. At home, she played golf, raised Boston Terriers named after saints and collected coins, stamps and matchbooks. She played the organ, accordion and guitar and in general was a jack-of-all-trades.

Best of all, Dorothy took time for her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She hosted their birthday parties, invited them for sleepovers and took care of them whenever she could. Dorothy loved her family and helped them in many ways. She will be truly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Miss Dorothy J. Beattie, age 91 of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2014.

SURVIVORS

Brother, Varney (Ruthann) Milner of Muskegon; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

FUNERAL MASS

Saturday, November 22, 2014, 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Rev. MSGR Terrance Stewart officiating. Interment in East Dalton-Oakhill Cemetery.

VISITATION

Friday, November 21, 2014 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon.

MEMORIAL: Our Lady of Grace Church.