Dorothy Eleanor Rees

Dorothy Eleanor Rees (Collie), age 85, a life-long Battle Creek resident has passed away at Bronson Hospice Residence Wednesday, April 13th.

Born April 15 1930 to parents James M. and Agnes A. Collie. She grew up the youngest of four in Urbandale, graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. Mom could still sing the Central HS fight song! She married Neale D. Rees of Dowling MI on April 12, 1952. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, had four kids, a successful business and a good life.

Dorothy was employed early on at Stanley Home Products, and later at Officeways, Information and Referral Services and NR Packaging. Dorothy was a faithful volunteer serving her community and church. She served as a "Gray Lady" for seven years at Lakeview General Hospital, a Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian church for 12 years and also sewed clothes for dolls that were donated to charity. Dorothy and Neale were longtime members of the Scottish Society. Neale and Dorothy loved their friends, their Bridge Club and also loved to travel. Their friends traveled yearly and explored Africa, Portugal, Puerto Rico, England and much of the US together. This group knew how to have fun!

Dorothy is survived by children: Blake (Becky) Rees of Bellevue MI, Collie (Gregg Rumford) Rees of Nashville IN, Kimberly (Merrick) Bacon of Zeeland MI and Jennifer (Matthew) Schroeder of East Lansing MI, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and her sister Peggy C. Johnston, Little Rock AR. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Neale D. Rees, 11-1-11, her sister Norma Martinek and her brother Hugh Collie, Sr.

A brief memorial service will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Monday, April 25th 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 52, Battle Creek, MI 49016-0052. Arrangements are by Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.