Dorothy Emma Dyer (Ruby)

Dyer (Ruby), Dorothy Emma

of Jackson, MI, passed away on her 97th birthday, September 17, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George L. Dyer, and daughters-in-law Susan Dyer and Billye Dyer.

Dorothy was born in Rochester, PA, September 17, 1924. While her family lived for many years in Aurora, lL, she also enjoyed time on the family farm in LaSalle-Peru. She enrolled in the U.S. Cadet Nurses Corps at Western Michigan University, where she met George. She trained as a registered nurse at Evanston Hospital School of Nursing, Northwestern University, Il, and later completed her B.S.R.N. She worked as a nurse for 25 years at the former W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital, and as a Red Cross blood clinic nurse. She and George traveled on medical mission trips to Guatemala, Honduras, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Dominican Republic.

Dorothy loved traveling with George and learning about other countries. They hosted 5 exchange students, participated in Elderhostel, and visited 6 continents. Domestic trips and visits to grandchildren and family reunions filled their years.

Dorothy was a lifetime Girl Scout, a troop leader, camp nurse and helped organize trips to Our Chalet in Switzerland, and Our Cabaña in Mexico. She worked tirelessly helping others, by knitting thousands of hats, mittens and sewing "ditty bags" for various charities. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years and enjoyed singing in the choir. She was an active member and past president of United Methodist Women and American Association of University Women.

Together she and her husband supported Ella Sharp Museum, Dahlem Environmental Education Center and Jackson Parks Association. Her hobbies included bridge and gardening.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Julia Teplis (Robert), David Dyer, Carol Henry (Stephen), and Christine DiMambro (Richard), eight grandchildren: Jeffrey (Ashley), Michelle, Gail, Daryl (Judith), Andrew, Joel, Emily, and Mary, and five great-grandchildren: Hannah, Patrick, and Matthew Teplis, and Benjamin and Eleanor Henry.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ella Sharp Museum, Dahlem Environmental Education Center, the Vista Grande Villa Foundation, or First United Methodist Church.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to Vista Grande Villa for 5 years of excellent care, and Elara Caring hospice for making her last days as comfortable as possible.

Memorial Celebration will be at Vista Grande Villa in the Grand Room on Saturday, September 25th at 1:30 p.m., with Reverend Julie Nygaard officiating.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 131 years