Dorothy Jane Far, 96, of Whitehall, passed away, Thursday, May 2, 2024. She was born December 22, 1927, in Bristol, Indiana, the fifth daughter of Olen and Edna (Menges) Ringler.

Dorothy was raised in Quincy, Michigan where she met the love of her life, Donald Far. She briefly attended the University of Michigan, intending to become a pharmacist, but instead married Don in December of 1947. They spent the first 3 years of their marriage in Los Angeles, where she worked in a dermatology office while Don finished his degree at the Art Center College of Design. They returned to the Detroit area where Don established a life-long career with GM as the head of their Styling Staff, later moving to Oak Park where they had 3 children. In 1966 they built their dream home in Rochester, Michigan, where Dorothy was a "stay at home mom", but kept busy with hospital volunteer work, church committees, bowling & bridge club. Once the children were older, she returned to work for a local thoracic surgeon. In 1982 they retired to Shelby where they built a home in Cobmoosa Shores with a wonderful view of Lake Michigan. In 2006 Don's health dictated a move to Grand Rapids, but they enjoyed 8 years at Porter Hills Village together before his passing in 2014. In 2022 she moved to White Lake Assisted Living in Whitehall to be closer to family.

Dorothy excelled at many things, she loved all sports and at just 5'4", was the captain of her high school basketball team. She loved bowling, baseball & especially enjoyed her golf league at Benona Shores & her bridge club, winning trophies, and tournaments in both. She had flower & vegetable gardens and loved all genres of music. Dorothy and Don attended Broadway shows, theater and symphonies often and they loved to travel, taking planes, boats, trains, and bikes all over the USA and Europe.

Most of all Dorothy loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an excellent role model, a fantastic cook & was known as a pie-baker extraordinaire! She was an avid reader and instilled that love in all of her children. She was sharp & witty and always had the correct response in Jeopardy! before most of us had read the clue. She was fun & entertaining with a great sense of humor and was known to play some pretty hilarious practical jokes with her buddies. She will be greatly missed by all.

Dorothy is survived by: her children, Mary (John) Umberger of Lebanon, PA, Susan (Jack) Spoors of Shelby and Don (Renee) Far of Lenox Dale, MA; 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Don, of 67 years, her parents; and her four sisters, Ann, Phyllis, Kathryn, and Priscilla.

Memorial service will be conducted at 5:00 PM, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Shelby Congregational United Church, 51 East 3rd Street, Shelby, MI 49455, with a light meal to follow. The family will receive friends Saturday, from 4:00 PM until the time of services at the church. 

The family also would like to thank Hospice of Michigan and White Lake Assisted Living for their loving care of our mom, especially over these past few difficult days and months.

Memorial contributions may be made to one of Dorothy's favorite places, The Shelby Area District Library, 189 N Maple St, Shelby, MI 49455 or The Oceana Country Animal Shelter, 2185 W Baseline Rd, Shelby, MI 49455

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is handling arrangements

www.harrisfhome.com