Dorothy Kingsley

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Dorothy Kingsley was a vivacious, vibrant, and spirited woman who lived a life of purpose while holding her loved ones near.

It was on October 18, 1916, that Raymond and Minnie (Videan) Hall were blessed with the birth of the baby girl they named Dorothy M. in Sturgis, Michigan. The second of four children of this family, they moved to the South side of Grand Rapids while Dorothy was a young girl. She attended local schools but left South High School in the 11th grade to help support the family as her father suffered with health issues. In keeping with her vivacious spirit she did go back to high school, took the required classes and graduated from Union High School in1972 at the age of 56.

After being introduced by friends, Dorothy married her sweetheart, Paul Kingsley, in 1938 and settled on the West side where they soon welcomed their son, Ray, into their hearts and home. As WWII landed on our doorstep in 1941, Paul was called to serve during which time Dorothy worked at the Globe Knitting Company sewing and packing parachutes for the military.

Upon his discharge, Paul returned home and started a business, Resistive Welder Service Company, and their family grew to include Chic, Diane, and Art. Dorothy focused her attention at home, and was active in the lives of her children including as president of the PTA and as a leader in Boy Scouts. She also volunteered within her community in other ways. Along with her family, Dorothy was an active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She joined the choir at age 70 and was the oldest member of the choir for many years.

Dorothy was a very adventures person who loved to do things and go places. They often camped as a family, and when their children were grown she and Paul traveled more extensively to places like Asia, Africa, Europe, and China in addition to several places within North America. Dorothy and Paul also kept a huge flower and vegetable garden.

Life was forever changed for Dorothy with the death of her husband in the mid nineties. Just a short time later her daughter, Chic, died, and although these were trying times her faith and the love of her family got her through. She was still active, too, as she traveled with her children and even her grandchildren. Bold and aggressive at times, Dorothy even pinned a grown man who was attempting to steal money from her daughter’s store in Charlevoix! She rode a motorcycle, went tubing at the age of 80, and continued to be the life of wherever she went.

Deeply loved, Dorothy Kingsley will be forever missed.

KINGSLEY – Mrs. Dorothy M. Kingsley, aged 99 of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully Sunday November 1, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Kingsley and her daughter Chic Piccard. Surviving are her children: Ray and Maria Kingsley, Art and Janice Kingsley, Diane and John Ochs, her son-in-law Marvin and Dee Piccard, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter and many nieces, nephews, her cousin and close friend, Marilyn Knapp. A service to celebrate her life will be held Wednesday at 1:30 PM at the First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd. N.W. Private interment will be in Rest Lawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family Tuesday at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. For those who wish memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or the First Evangelical Covenant Church Food Pantry fund would be appreciated. To read more of Dorothy’s life, share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com