Dorothy M. Gilmore

Dorothy M. Gilmore, 95, of Battle Creek, passed peacefully with her children surrounding her at Bronson Battle Creek on Monday, April 1, 2013.
She was born January 23, 1918 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to George and Maud (Keyes) Salter. Dorothy grew up in Battle Creek and was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School.

Dorothy married Clayton L. Gilmore on August 31, 1940 and they had 65 wonderful years together. She was preceded in death by Clayton in February, 2006. Surviving are three daughters, Patricia (Roger) Gray of Rapid City, MI, Georgia (Dennis) Carpenter of Okemos, MI, Connie Tomak of Battle Creek, MI; a son, William (Scott Smith) Gilmore of Kalamazoo, MI; eight grandchildren; Bob, Jeff, and Mark Gray, Chantelle Deimling, Tracie and Tammie Tomak, Denise Emch and Frank Carpenter, 16 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her five siblings; brothers, Clyde and Harry Salter; sisters, Georgia Heine, Marge Caldwell, Wilda Misner; and a son-in-law, Lester Tomak.

She was a proud homemaker and the couple lived for 40 years on Beadle Lake. She loved golf and enjoyed watching it when she could no longer play. The couple belonged to Marywood Country Club and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. She was a hospital volunteer and was active in many school activities. Dorothy spent the last years doing jigsaw puzzles; rooting for the Detroit Tigers and enjoying car rides around Michigan. She loved being surrounded by family and was well cared for by them and several faithful caregivers.

Friends will be received by Dorothy's family 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home; where funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Robert J. Mayo at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.