Dorothy Rae Sims' Obituary
Big Rapids - Dorothy Rae Sims, 83, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully Monday April 2, 2018 at Metron of Big Rapids surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy was born on August 8, 1934 to George and Bernice (Patterson) Hamel in Detroit and grew up in DeTour. She graduated high school from DeTour Village, then earned her teachers certificate from Ferris Institute. Dorothy worked in the education field for many years, and also worked as a nurses' aide at Mecosta County General Hospital for several years.
Dorothy was a long-time member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, knitting, being involved in the lives of her grandchildren, and spending time at their summer home in Cedarville.
In 1962, Dorothy married James Sims, who preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by five children, Daniel (Denise) Sims of Paris, Linda (Joel) Littke, Laurel Hamel, David (Carla) Sims, and Steven (Kirstin) Sims, of Big Rapids; 14 grandchildren, Katie (Matt) Moresi, Sarah (James) Bailey, Mary (Noah) Fremer, Jeremy and Jason Bishop, Jamie Rae (Matt) Cook, Timothy (Danielle) and Nathan Hamel, Jessica Sims, Andrea (Keith) Johnson, Michael, Justin, Keegan, and Ally Sims; 3 great grandchildren, Logan, Kaylee, and Madelyn; brother Lee (Barbara) Hamel of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Marilyn Bosley, brother Burton Hamel, and son-in-law Stuart Hamel. Her family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Metron of Big Rapids, Heartland Home Hospice, and her devoted friend Edwina Abbott.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at a later date in the Upper Peninsula. Memorial contributions in Dorothy's name may be made to the St. Peter's Lutheran School Scholarship Fund.
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