Dorothy Jean Fletcher

All who knew Dorothy Fletcher would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She had the biggest heart and was the sort of person who would do whatever she could for someone else. A loving wife and mother, Dorothy was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who made her so very proud. She was happiest when surrounded by water and the ocean, but what made these times even better was sharing them with the ones she loved. Although she will be deeply missed, Dorothy leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only became more dire when a drought crippled our nations heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, Roy D. and Dorothy M. (Harshbarger) Wood were filled with great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the promise of spring appeared on the horizon in Columbia City, Indiana, in March of 1932. Their wait was over on March 25th when the baby girl they named Dorothy Jean drew her first breath. She was one of seven Wood children as she was raised in the family home alongside her brothers, Max, Paul, Richard, and Steve, and her sisters, Carol and Phyllis. In many ways Dorothy was a young girl of her generation. She attended local schools an graduated from Coesse High School Class of 1950.

New and exciting changes were in store for Dorothy when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Harold Ray Fletcher, and sparks flew right away. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Dorothy and Harold were married on May 19, 1951. Together they welcomed three children including Michael, Marsha, and Vickie into their hearts and home. Dorothy completely devoted her life to caring for her children, and as they grew and had families of their own she couldnt have been happier.

All who knew Dorothy would agree that her favorite things in life werent things - they were people. She looked forward to every Wood and Fletcher family reunion with great anticipation.

Dorothys famous and most requested food dishes for any and all family gatherings were her meatloaf, homemade beef and noodles, and fish fries. She truly loved cooking, and Thanksgiving and Christmas were her absolute favorite holidays because it was when everyone could all be together. Dorothys most treasured moments were spent with all of her grandchildren huddled around her. Her very best fur friend was Daisy Mae, a tiny Yorkie that is about five to six years old. Dorothy spoiled her rotten, regularly making her clothes, jackets, and boots to wear in bad weather. Daisy Mae was like an additional member of Dorothys family. In fact, her kids often joked that she loved that dog more than she loved her kids! Dorothy was filled with so much timeless advice, but perhaps what will stick with her family the most was how she said, Stop and think about it. Be prepared to pay the price if you make a wrong decision.

Throughout her life Dorothy was one to keep busy. She was an avid shopper who frequented any garage sale she could find every week. Dorothy spent her formative years in Whitley County, but she also lived at Gilbert Lake for 20 years, and with a love for the ocean she spent the winters in Okeechobee and Fort Pierce, Florida, for over 25 years. Dorothy cherished her visits to Knoxville, Tennessee, with her family to visit some longtime friends. There was something she always loved about traveling through any mountains.

With unending love for her family and friends, Dorothy Fletcher was such a gift to those around her. Throughout her rich and rewarding life she experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, but what made these things truly extraordinary was sharing them with her family and friends. In everything she did, Dorothy was looking to bless others first and foremost, and she was so happy to share her time and resources with others. Life will never be the same without Dorothy here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Dorothy Jean Fletcher, of Columbia City, IN., passed away at 2:55 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2016, at her home. Dorothys family includes her children, Michael (Tonya) Fletcher, Big Lake, Albion, Marsha (Butch) Thompson, Vickie Strickland, both of Columbia City; brothers, Richard (Judy) Wood, of Columbia City, Steve (Cheryl) Wood, of Maumee, OH; sisters, Carol (Russ) Adams, of Ocala, Fla. and Phyllis Springer, of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Max and Paul Wood. Visitation is from 3-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday at the funeral home with Pastor George Cecil officiating. Dorothy will be laid to rest beside her husband at Eel River Presbyterian Cemetery east of Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Fletchers memory to Cancer Service of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.