Betty Lou Dorey

Life held many blessings for Betty Lou Dorey. She was thankful for much and lived life completely and fully at every opportunity. Betty found pleasure in many things, but the key to her heart was the unending love she held for her family. Although she could have a strong spirit at times, she held her ground when she needed to, especially when she made her mind up about something! Ever compassionate and kind, her sentimental heart was just one of the ways Betty Lou was touched by love. Her life‘s imprint has indeed been left on the hearts of many and she will be dearly missed and long remembered by all. The crash of the stock market in late 1929 created financial turmoil from coast to coast, and by 1930, 1,350 banks had failed in the U.S. The entertainment world was a welcome deviation from everyday worries and music played a vital role in keeping spirits light in addition to the introduction of the infamous cartoon character, Betty Boop. It was during these changing times in the close knit village of Vicksburg, Michigan when Lloyd and Marjorie (Hope) Weinberg found much to be thankful for when on January 20, 1930, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Betty. The middle child of three daughters in the Weinberg household, Betty Lou grew up alongside her two sisters, Elnor and Arletta. Young Betty attended the Vicksburg area schools, Betty, and like many of her generation, attended school through to the 8th grade. Betty met the young man of her dreams, Marvin Dorey during a fierce Michigan snowstorm. She happened to be working at his uncle’s restaurant along M-60 and Marvin stopped by the place when he came home following his discharge from the service. They struck up a conversation and soon began dating. After falling deeply in love, Betty happily married the love of her life on September 18, 1946. The newlyweds’ set-up house and soon began a family to call their own, eventually adding six children to their fold. Their two sons, Robert and Walter along with their four daughters, Darlene, LouAnn, Barbara, and Maxine added much to their bustling household. Betty made a good, loving home for Marvin and their children. She was dedicated to all things entrusted to her care. Whether for her family, work, or her home, Betty gave it her all, and then some. Through the years she and her family shared and enjoyed wonderful times during the holidays and other special occasions making memories always to be treasured. She took an interest in the lives of her children and her unconditional love for them was unmatched. Along with making a good home for her family, Betty was a good cook, too. Her chicken and dumplings was always a family favorite and she could always be found in the kitchen baking delicious cakes, cookies and homemade breads for her family to enjoy and savor. Betty also worked outside the home a time or two, as well. For 16 years she worked as a clerk at a local drugstore and for six years she was a staple having worked at Paul’s Drive-In. When it came to traveling, Betty loved going up north and enjoying all the Michigan area had to offer. She also took in trips to San Francisco, California which always proved to be a great time. In fact, she loved visiting California in general and truly loved the area so much she once nearly packed up the kids when they were young and moved there. Together she and Marvin loved to dance and he especially liked dancing the polka with her. She enjoyed collecting things here and there over the years such as knick-knacks and treasures she found along life’s way. Betty had a feisty side when it came to her making a point. If she thought she was right about something in particular, there was clearly no standing in her way . . . and no one would want to! She possessed good common sense and was street smart in many regards. Above all, it was Betty’s compassion for others and sentimental, tender heart that made her one of a kind. Her love of family and the numerous memories she leaves behind will be fondly remembered. Betty Lou Dorey, of Vicksburg passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the age of 90. She is survived by her children: Walt (Pat) Dorey of Vicksburg, Darlene Leja of Manton, LouAnn Laurence of Battle Creek, Barbara Kissinger of Kalamazoo, and Maxine Haywood of Portage; daughter-in-law: Christy Dorey of Three Rivers; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grand-children; and 10 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband: Marvin; son: Bob; son-in-laws: Henry Leja Sr, James Laurance, Timothy Kissinger and David Haywood; grandson: Peter Leja; and great-granddaughter: Alexis Peterson. Pallbearers will be her six grandsons; Dylan Haywood, James Laurence II, David Haywood II, Andy Leja, Austin Leja and Trevor Caswell. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 23, 2020, 1:30 PM at Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit www.mccowensecord.com and take time to sign Betty’s online guestbook and by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with her family. Those who wish may make contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and/or Schoolcraft Assembly of God. In accordance to the State of Michigan current Health Department COVID recommendations, all in attendance are requested to wear a mask and maintain social distance. The Dorey family is being cared for by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269)649-1697.