Dorothy Pearl Box

Dorothy Pearl Box, of Traverse City, formerly of McBain, joined her Lord and Savior Saturday, October 6, 2012, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She peacefully left this world surrounded by her adoring family. She was 87 years old. Dorothy was born in Dighton, Mich., to Alta Mable (Kitson) and William Edward Kenyon on August 1, 1925. She met her husband-to-be, Myrell Gilbert Box, at the McBain Bean Festival in 1940. They were married September 19, 1942, at the McBain Christian Reformed parsonage by the Rev. Cowenhoven. At the conclusion of World War II, Myrell and Dorothy made their home in Dearborn, Mich. In 1957, with their three children, they permanently settled in McBain. While raising her family, Dorothy was employed for many years at Riverside Electric in Marion. As a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of McBain, Dorothy was active in the Women\'s Association and served on session as an elder. She was a fabulous cook, who shared her gift lovingly with her family, friends and community. Her holiday meals are legendary and are preserved in her cookbook. Her social life included club membership in the Michigan Road Riders, Retreads and Larkin Club. Between motorcycle trips with Myrell, which covered all 50 states, Dorothy was often found busy in her kitchen or working on the daily crossword puzzle while following the Pistons or the Tigers. Above all, she was dedicated to her family. She loyally followed the interest and activities of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, setting an excellent example. After moving to Traverse City, she attended services at Faith Reformed Church and services held by Northern Lakes Community Church at the Village of Bay Ridge. At the Village, she never missed an opportunity to be involved in social activities and was well-known for a tasty treat to anyone who was sick or grieving. She is survived by her children, Susanne (Ronald) Elenbaas of Traverse City, Gary (Kathleen) Box of Cadillac, and Nedra (James) Shoobridge of Traverse City; grandchildren, Ronda (Darrel) Robinson, Amber (Aaron) Noble, Paige (Mike) Schrotenboer, Troy (Joy) Elenbaas, Clay (Kelly) Elenbaas, Reeves (Courtney) Box, Brea Box, Ashley Box, Mitchell (Christine) Shoobridge, Sommer (Michael) Deering, Khiela (Erickson) Alpers; 25 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Leon Kenyon. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, her parents, and 11 siblings. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2012, at the former First Presbyterian Church of McBain at 100 Harrison St. Officiating will be Judy Coffey, parish assistant of Cadillac United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Burkholder Funeral Home in McBain. Burial will immediately follow services at Highland Township Cemetery No. 1. A fellowship buffet will be provided. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Michigan, 900 E. Front St., Traverse City, Mich. 49686. A guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Dorothy Pearl Box

August 1, 1925 - October 6, 2012