Dorothy J. Amidon

Passionate in her care for others and forever kind and generous, Dorothy Jane Amidon was a true Christian woman who enjoyed serving others. Though she did not crave to be the center of attention, she had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. She will be greatly missed. In the midst of the Great Depression, a new life was beginning in Greenville, Michigan. On May 9, 1932 Emory & Anna (Williams) Blanding welcomed their daughter, Dorothy, to the family. The first in the family to be born in a hospital due to her siblings all having the measles. She settled into her place amongst her other five siblings as the youngest for a while. Marian, Art, Eleanor, Ron, and Joyce were wonderful entertainment in her life. Soon, the entire family welcomed their youngest and final member to the family when Jane was born. Together, the seven children kept their parents very busy. Thankfully, their mother stayed home to keep the family organized and happy. Their father supported the family working as the owner of Blanding Milk Co. and later had a Christmas tree farm. Dorothy grew up in the same town she was born. She attended Clay St. Elementary School and made many childhood memories with her friends and family. As she matured, she played first chair clarinet in the high school band and was a member of the Latin Club. She graduated with the class of 1950 from Greenville High School. The Blanding family also enjoyed many great times at the family cottage on Turk Lake. After receiving her high school diploma, Dorothy enrolled in Sparrow Hospital School of Nursing with her eye on becoming a nurse. She earned her RN credentials in 1953. While she studied to become a nurse, she also opened her heart to love. She met the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life at a dance. The couple was set up by their sisters who ironically were both named Eleanor! The Eleanor sisters were on to something good, as Allen and Dorothy hit it off. Allen and Dorothy planned a wedding and celebrated their marriage in 1953 at the Greenville Methodist Church. As a newlywed, Dorothy worked at United Memorial Hospital in Greenville from 1953 to 1957. In time, Allen and Dorothy began their parenthood adventure together when they welcomed four children into the world: Don, Dave, Julie, and Dan. The family moved from Greenville to Grand Rapids before finally settling in Plainwell in 1962. Never one to sit idle, Dorothy continued to work on and off at Pipp Hospital until the 1990's. Later she found an opportunity to care for others at the Cunningham Nursing Home. She also kept a close eye on her children working at the middle school as a classroom aide from 1974 to 1976. Dorothy worked a variety of other RN jobs throughout her life, but she finally retired from Borgess in 1994 from the profession for good. When she was not tending to the health care of others, she actively tended to her spiritual needs. She was a member of First United Methodist Church from 1961 to 1995. She was very engaged in the church and even became the President of the United Methodist Women in the 1960's. Her voice was part of the church choir, and she was a member of the handbell ringers. The Church Kitchen also kept Dorothy quite busy. Allen & Dorothy enjoyed hosting many sliding parties at their home on the sliding hill in the backyard, as well as many get togethers at the Amidon family cottage on Horseshoe Lake in Greenville. The kitchen in her own home was also a bustling place. Dorothy was a talented cook and could bake with the best of them. Meals in her home were often created from the many canned goods she worked hard to preserve in the summertime from her garden. Hosting family gatherings came naturally to her, and she loved to entertain her friends and family. Dorothy had many other hobbies which she enjoyed. Many of her projects are left behind for us to enjoy and reminisce. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, reading and gardening. Every Christmas she would make flannel pajamas for the family. Several of her beautiful quilts remain to provide comfort and warmth. As Dorothy and Allen watched their children search for adult lives of their own, they waited for grandchildren. In time, they were blessed with 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Dorothy held a special place in her heart for each and every one of them. Through the years, all of the children would hear their loving grandmother's advice, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!" After retirement, Allen and Dorothy began enjoying travel including wintering in Florida as well as visiting Mexico, Alaska, California, Nova Scotia and many places and states in between. In 1995, Dorothy and Allen became members of Grace Spring Bible Church. Dorothy enjoyed the Seasoned Sisters group there. Her church friends were helpful in supporting Dorothy during the difficult time when she was forced to say goodbye to her husband of 60 years. Allen passed away in 2014. Dorothy's life was dedicated too caring for people. Whether it was in her profession of nursing, working in the church, or tending to her family's needs - she remained incredibly positive, patient, and loving. She was a child of God and kept the true meaning of Christianity close to her heart. Sadly, Dorothy passed away on June 6, 2018. She lived 86 years in this life with us. During that time, we shared so many memorable moments with her. Her legacy of true compassion for others will never be forgotten. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Sunday, June 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Plainwell; 200 Park St. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the same location.