Dorothy E. Howes

Dorothy E. Howes (Boyd), age 89 of Portage, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Mich. Dorothy was born December 23, 1925 in Pontiac, IL to Hugh and Dora (Richeson) Boyd. She grew up in Flanagan, IL and graduated from Flanagan High School and Nursing School.

She moved to Augusta, MI to work in Dr. Spear's office where she met her future husband, Harry Roger Howes. They were married on July 14, 1946 in Augusta, MI. They moved to Battle Creek, MI where they owned and operated the Grinding Service Company on Columbia Ave. Due to their growing family they purchased a farm in the Athens/East Leroy area where they farmed and continued to operate the business.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Harry R. Howes in 1966); her son, Grant W. Howes in 1984; her daughter, Kimberly G. Dent in 2013; brothers, Thomas, Ross, Horace, and Roy of Illinois; sisters, Ruth Bacon and Ellen King. She is survived by her sons, Thomas R. Howes (Joan) of Mt. Clemens, Durrell (Bud) W. Howes (Cynthia) of Hartford, and Dennis W. Howes (Connie) of Hickory Corners; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held 12:00 noon, Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the North Athens Baptist Church 2020 M Drive South (On the corner of M Drive South & 2 Mile Rd.) Athens. Interment will follow at the North Athens Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the cemetery service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.