Dorothy Ann Tompkins joined her beloved husband, Carl, in heaven early on the morning of the first day of autumn September 23, 2015.

Dorothy was born on August 12, 1922 to John and Irene VanDyke who were immigrants from the Netherlands. She was born at White City Farm just south of Coldwater, the youngest of three daughters. At the age of 1, Dorothy and her family moved to the Indianapolis area where she attended grade school. By the time she was 16, her parents had moved back to Coldwater to the Byers Farm on Morse Street to run the Fairview Dairy. Dorothy enrolled in High School but later had to quit in order to deliver milk for the dairy because her three brothers were too young. It is interesting to note that she drove the milk truck standing up!

Dorothy married Carl J. Tompkins on Sept. 14, 1942 in Angola, IN. shortly before he left to serve in WWII. By God's grace, he came home safe and sound, and they enjoyed more than 69 years together, raising 4 children, traveling, working, and serving the church in many capacities.

Dorothy taught Sunday School, was a cub scout leader, and became a cook for the Coldwater schools. She was famous for her baking expertise providing many made-from-scratch treats for hundreds of students and faculty. Since neither she nor Carl had finished high school, they decided to attend adult education classes and earn their GEDs. They received their diplomas the same year their youngest son, Michael graduated from Coldwater High in 1973.

In later years, Dorothy loved to reminisce, to laugh and find the humor in little things and to do whatever she could to help other people. She loved playing Uno, baking peanut butter cookies, and going to travelogues with her grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren were a source of joy and amusement for her. She knew the power of prayer and the comfort of music.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Jim Tompkins of Marshall, MI, Carol (David) Foust, Sheryl DeWitt and Michael Tompkins, all of Coldwater. She has two brothers, Peter (Elaine) VanDyke of Coldwater and Glenn (Marge) Van Dyke of Holt, Mi. Dorothy has 8 grandchildren, Chad (Deanna) Foust, Carrie (Jon) Leazenby, Darcie (Ryan) Apple, Deana (Mark) Walter, Joe (Penny) Dewitt, Justin (Darcie) DeWitt, Stephen (Amy) DeWitt and Shawna DeWitt. She has 21 Great-grandchildren with one on the way and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Beatrice Dowell and Mary Smith, and a brother John VanDyke. She has been reunited with the love of her life, Carl, who passed away January 10, 2012 just before his 97th birthday. She has two little ones to cuddle, a precious grandson, Matthew DeWitt and a sweet great-granddaughter, Selah Apple.

Dorothy spent her last few years at Drews Place in Coldwater where she enjoyed the activities and attention of the loving and caring staff. She will be very missed by many friends and by her family. We long to be with her again and trust God's promises that one day we will experience that joy. We will see you later, Mom, Grandma, Great-grandma, Sister, Sister-in-law, Aunt Dot, dear cousin and forever friend.

A funeral will be held at Northview Christian Church 539 N. Union City Rd. Coldwater, MI. on Saturday, September 26. Visitation will be at 1:30 with services at 3:00. Burial will follow at Lockwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Northview Christian Church.

The family is being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.www.dutcherfh.com