Dorthy Lucille Higgins' Obituary
Edmore-Dorthy Lucille (Garbrecht) Higgins, age 89, of Blanchard passed away at her home, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. She was born in Manton, MI on November 26, 1932, to Raymond and Madeline (Wuis) Garbrecht. Dorthy was raised in the Manton and Muskegon areas and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1950. She later received a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and then her master's degree from Central Michigan University both in education. Dorthy married the love of her life, Donald E. Higgins on April 21, 1956, at her parent's home in Muskegon. She was employed by Montabella Community Schools as an elementary and junior high school teacher in Edmore for more than 20 years. Dorthy enjoyed gardening, canning the fruits of her labor, sewing, reading, camping, puzzles, and having huge family Thanksgiving celebrations. But most of all she loved spending time with her family. She was an active member of the Winn United Methodist Church for many years, where she served as a lay pastor.
Dorthy will forever be missed and is survived by 6 daughters, Teresa (Charles) Butterfield of Manteno, IL; Jacquelyn (Oscar) Nunez of Muskegon, Dawn Higgins of Costa Rica; Rhonda (John) Emery of Allendale, Nancy (David) Schepers of Middleville, Wendy (Kenny) Symonds of Mt. Pleasant; 3 sons, Douglas (Calene) Higgins of Edmore, Kevin (Sheryl) Higgins of Ada, Walter (Patty) Higgins of Grant; 27 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother, Terry Garbrecht of Manton; 2 sisters, Christine Grant of Fort Atkinson, WI, Madeline Leak of Muskegon; several nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald in 1985; parents; brother, Ronald Garbrecht; 2 sisters, Virginia Moser, Kay Garbrecht.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Winn United Methodist Church in Winn with Reverend Raymond Francis officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Friday, May 27, at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Edmore and again on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Union Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a donation in Dorthy's memory are asked to consider the Winn Food Pantry.
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