Dorothy June Bushey

All who knew Dorothy Bushey would agree that she was a woman who was beautiful on the inside and out. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, her life was filled with love, laughter, and a song appropriate for any and every occasion. A loving wife and devoted mother, there wasnt anything that Dorothy wouldnt do for her family. Even when the way before her was a tough climb, she exemplified what it means to persevere through times of trial with a graceful strength and courageous spirit that is such an inspiration to all who knew her. Life will never be the same without Dorothy here, but her family and friends find comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. The Roaring Twenties were a time unlike any other in American history. Innovation was fueling changes that forever transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. Cars were more attainable as they had come down in price thanks to the assembly line, and housewives celebrated new conveniences like the refrigerator and the washing machine. It was during this time of great discovery that a young couple from Saginaw, Michigan, was overjoyed to announce the birth of their baby girl on June 16, 1924. Dorothy was the youngest of 12 children born to her parents, Fred and Mary (Barror) Merriam, and she was joined in the family by her older siblings, Fred, Sylvia, Mabel, Zilda, Doris, Lawrence, Loretta, Leo, Floyd, Ron, and Carl. Her father worked as a harness maker for horses while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. The Merriam family was given a difficult pill to swallow with the death of Dorothys mother when Dorothy was only nine. This brought Dorothy to Rose City for a time where she lived with her older sister, Zilda. When she was a bit older she returned to live with her father and some of her brothers in Saginaw. Dorothy enjoyed hanging around with her nephew, Dale, who was just a couple of years younger than she was. The pair liked to pick raspberries from the family garden and use them to make their own soda pop. Tragedy struck again when Dorothys father died when she was 16. Since she was still so young, she was dependent on her older siblings. Dorothy lived with her older sister, Doris, in Saginaw. Doris had a son named Dick who was younger than Dorothy, so Dorothy had to get used to him rifling through her purse looking for gum and trying on her lipstick. Dorothy was a student at local schools including Arthur Hill High School. It was also during her formative years that she developed her passion for singing that would remain with her throughout her entire life. Dorothy was part of a choir group while in high school and also sang for various groups in the Saginaw area. Shortly after graduating from high school, Dorothy met the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was George David, and they met in Detroit while she was working in a factory during World War II. At the time Dorothy was sharing an apartment with her friend, Ruby, who went on to marry Dorothys brother, Carl. She and George were later married, and together they were blessed with five children, Charles Chuck, Danny, Mark, Robin, and Matthew. Although life became instantly difficult when her husband left after 19 years, Dorothy was determined to keep all of her children together, raising them on her own. Matthews birth was the source of strength she needed to get through the trying days of being a single mother. Making ends meet was nearly impossible, but thanks to a monetary gift from her siblings Dorothy was able to keep her home when it looked like she was going to lose it. She did a variety of odd jobs, but she primarily supported herself and her children as a bus driver. Dorothy enjoyed her job and brought the students treats from time to time. Even years later she still kept some of the notes that students had given her. New and exciting changes were in store for Dorothy when she met Orval Bushey through a mutual friend at work while she was driving a school bus. After falling deeply in love, Dorothy and Orval were married in Warren. Together the couple enjoyed traveling, and she visited every state except Hawaii through the years. Dorothy and Orval took several cruises and also took a six month trip to Alaska, driving all the way from Florida camping all the way there and back. They also traveled to Canada to go fishing. In fact, Dorothy hunted and fished well into her eighties! Over the years Dorothys life was enriched in numerous ways. It was around the time that she met Orval that she learned to play the organ, even though he used to tease her about it. In addition to traveling, Dorothy kept busy reading, and of course with singing and music of all kinds. With a vibrant faith she was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mt. Pleasant. Dorothys was the place to be every year for Christmas as she hosted family at her house in Utica until she and Orval moved to Florida. Extended family gatherings were a priority, too, as she only missed a handful of Merriam family reunions. In everything she did, Dorothy Bushey brought such joy to those around her. She was a lively and independent woman who took whatever came her way in stride. Dorothy treasured her faith and her family above all else while living her life on purpose each day. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Dorothy Bushey, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Utica, died on Friday, August 30, 2013. Dorothys family includes her children, Charles (Sandy) David of Washington Township, Dan (Theresa) David of Mt. Clemens, Mark (Judythe) David of Mt. Clemens, Robin (Greg) Berlin of Mt. Pleasant and Matthew (Patricia) David of Utica; one step-daughter, Jennifer (Joe) Hoover of Algonac; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; and two sister-in-laws, Ruby Merriam of Chowchilla, CA and Jocye McArthur of Rochester Hills. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orval Bushey; and 11 siblings, Fred, Sylvia, Mabel, Zilda, Doris, Lawrence, Loretta, Leo, Floyd, Ron, Carl. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Corey Herthel of Seventh Day Adventist Church officiating. She will e laid to rest in Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To learn more about Dorothys life or to sign the online guest book please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com