Dorothy Moon

Through the life she lived each day, Dorothy Moon made it her mission to demonstrate what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. She believed that one can glorify God in everything, and that every step in her life’s journey was part of His perfect plan for her life. Although she adored being a mother, Dorothy just may have argued that being a grandmother was her greatest reward. Her grace, quiet strength, and unending compassion toward others will be her lasting legacy.

The 1920s were filled with great accomplishments that forever changed the cultural fabric of our nation. Motion pictures became available in both color and sound, conveniences such as the washing machine and refrigerator began gracing our homes, and there were new horizons to explore thanks to the adventurous spirits of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. Amidst this time of discovery was the year 1923 that brought great joy to one young couple from Detroit, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on December 14th. Dorothy G. was the youngest of three girls born to her parents, Glen and Pauline (Densmore) Burkholder, and was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Helen and Lois. She attended local schools, but like so many other young people of her generation, Dorothy left school to enter the workforce.

Life was forever changed for Dorothy when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Elmer Moon, and she couldn’t help but notice him while she was on the beach at Whitmore Lake one day. In order to catch his eye, Dorothy pretended to stub her toe so that he would help her back to her cottage. Her plan worked like a charm as they began dating and soon fell deeply in love. She married her sweetheart on August 31, 1940, and they settled in Ann Arbor where they were later blessed with three children: Larry, Linda, and Janet. Dorothy ran a tight ship at home and also worked as a cook for Ann Arbor Public Schools for many years. She was an extraordinary homemaker whose home was always neat and clean with assigned chores for the kids, too. Dorothy was also a fantastic cook who made wonderful meals within a strict budget, yet it was baking that she loved most.

Spending time as a family was something the Moons all enjoyed. They were active at their church, Grace Bible Church in Ann Arbor, as Dorothy and Elmer were youth group sponsors for many years. In fact, she and Elmer were busy nearly every night of the week and usually had the kids in tow. Playing cards with friends was a favorite activity throughout their married life. As avid Michigan football fans, they often attended Saturday home games as a family complete with a huge bag of popcorn that Dorothy always brought along with them. The family also enjoyed many vacations together, often camping all around the country beginning in tents and later upgrading to a pop-up camper. Meals were an event in Dorothy’s home, and she always made more than enough food as extra people were usually invited. The family was never quite sure of who would show up! Dorothy and Elmer loved golfing together, and she always said that she got her money's worth as she toured the golf course at the same time.

In addition to serving others in her church and home, Dorothy reached out to countless others in a variety of ways. She and Elmer volunteered their time at Camp Barakel in Fairview, Michigan, for several years, spreading the love of Christ. Dorothy often kept busy knitting and crocheting, and she usually gave away most of what she made including booties for premature babies and lap blankets.

After they retired Dorothy and Elmer moved to a golf community in Tennessee where they enjoyed playing plenty of golf. They also made many friends there. Their new home allowed them to extend their reach even further as this became their new base for their volunteer efforts. For 15 years they served God through the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program, traveling around the country for several months each year in their RV working at numerous churches and Christian camps. Dorothy later said that she worked in every state in the continental United States through the years. After several years they settled in Byron Center to be closer to their family. They became involved at another church, Grace Bible Church in Grandville.

Dorothy adjusted to a new way of life after the death of her beloved husband about 12 years ago. The days were not easy for her as she and Elmer were truly best friends who had so much fun together, but Dorothy drew strength from her faith and her family. She continued living in Byron Center for a few years before settling in at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes where she loved making new friends and making new residents feel welcome. Dorothy kept busy there and was always available for a conversation or a game.

A woman who was content in all things, Dorothy Moon was an amazing woman to know and love. She was bubbly and outgoing with just the right amount of spunk mixed in and a hug always at the ready. Accompanied by an unwavering faith, Dorothy was not afraid to ask others if they knew the Lord, and through the life she lived she exemplified what it means to be a woman after God’s own heart. Her love for her family was easy to see, and although she will be deeply missed her loved ones find comfort in knowing that this life is not the end. Until Dorothy’s friends and family see her again, they will hold her memory near and dear to their hearts.

Dorothy G. Moon, age 89 of Grand Rapids, has finished her work here on earth and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 27, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, and by her sisters Helen Seasward and Lois Anderson. Dorothy is survived by her children, Larry and Gail Moon of Kalamazoo, Linda and Bruce Winstanley of Grand Ledge, Janet and Dan Armstrong of Grand Rapids; grandchildren (and great grandchildren) Matthew and Erin Moon, Elizabeth and Tim Brinkley (Ezra, Christian and Austin), Brian and Sarah Armstrong (Kade and Duncan), and Tim and Jamie {Batema} Armstrong. Dorothy was a member at Grace Bible Church in Grandville where her service will be held on Wednesday, January 30 at 1:30 PM. Friends are invited to visit with her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Camp Barakel (PO Box 159, Fairview Michigan 48621) or Grace Bible Church (3715 Wilson SW, Grandville 49418) are appreciated. To read more about her life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com