Dorothy L. (Power) Criss

Dorothy L. (Power) Criss passed peacefully on April 7, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born in Lawton, MI on February 3, 1931, along with her identical twin sister, Doris, who preceded her in death in 1938. On April 21, 1951, she married her best friend, David E. Criss, and their partnership happily sustained two days short of 49 years, until his passing on April 19, 1999. Dorothy was revered as the matriarch of her family, having also lost her only other sibling, Donald L. Power, in 2021. Her work ethic and support of those she loved were visible throughout her life. She graduated from Lawton High School. Her career included bookkeeping and serving as a bank teller, as well as office support in the Truesdale Funeral Homes, where her husband was a partner and funeral director. Dorothy is survived by three children: Denise Spencer of Bluffton, SC; Catherine Shuman of Lawton, OK; and Mark Criss of Kalamazoo, MI (spouse Lori Norris). These families include Dorothy's four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She deeply loved and was proud of her family, and recently, when looking at a family photo collage, she said, with her contented Mona Lisa smile, "This is my legacy." The family notes here that Mark and Lori have been extremely supportive of Dorothy's needs and care for many years, something both she and the entire family have appreciated more than can ever be adequately expressed. We are also appreciative of the staff at Plainwell Pines for their care and concern. Other joys for Dorothy came from cooking and baking, sewing, reading, games and puzzles, but most particularly watching the birds at her feeder. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to David in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, MI. Honoring Dorothy's wishes, there will be a private graveside service at the time of internment. Memorial contributions are suggested to the W. K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta, or the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Friends may leave a condolence message for the family and receive more complete information at www.joldersma-klein.com.