Dorothy Mance

Dorothy "Dottie" Mance, 85, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022 at her son's home. Born August 5, 1936 in Mariana, Arkansas, she was the daughter of John and Hazel (Christian) Henley.

At five months old, Dottie's family moved to Culver City, California for her dad's job. While growing up, she lived on Keystone Ave and the neighborhood children were known as the Keystone Kids. She enjoyed the typical life of children then, including hide and seek and playing kick the can. Living just two miles away from MGM Studios, she would go often to get an autograph from the Stars there and on several occasions, she watched as movies were made on her street, including "Three Guys Named Mike". She also would see other behind the scenes encounters as her dad was a carpenter for MGM.

Dottie attended Hamilton High School through the 11th grade. After high school Dottie had two children with her first husband. Unfortunately Dottie lost her daughter, Debra Paris. One evening after work in 1978, she and some co-workers were out relaxing when some gentleman approached her for a stick of gum, Melvin M. Mance. After a few evenings of seeing each other out and dancing, the two knew it was true love. Melvin was a great guy who served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for Boeing.  With a job move from California to Washington, Dottie followed Mel and on August 4, 1979, Dottie married the man of her dreams in Federal Way, WA.

She was the 1st employee of Magic Mountain Credit Union in California and when she left after 4 years, she was the manager. She had worked various jobs before retiring in 1994 from Federal Way Water & Sewer District. Dottie also had her own craft business, "Dottie's Knot". She enjoyed all sorts of craft activities including wood burning and painting. She was a member of United Methodist Church. In July 2010, she and Mel moved to Columbia City, Indiana. Dottie's life forever changed when Mel passed away at 10 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She had been a dedicated wife to him to the end, taking care of him at their home.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Jerry Paris and Barb Leonard; granddaughter, Jessica Paris; and sister-in-law, Dorothy "Dottie" Mae Henley. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hazel Henley; husband, Melvin Mance; daughter, Debra Paris; daughter-in-law, Barb Paris; sisters, Kay Couden and Lucille Johnson; and brothers, Doug Henley and Bryan Henley.

A memorial service will be 7 pm Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with visitation beginning at 5 pm. Memorial donations may be given in her memory to the Humane Society of Whitley County or Stillwater Hospice. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Dorothy's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.