June 3, 1932 — Aug. 10, 2015

Dorothy Elizabeth (White) Garrison, 83, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015.

Dotty was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 3, 1932, to Arthur M. and Mary White.

Dotty married the love of her life, Dean L. Garrison, Jr., and they were blessed with 53 adventure-filled years together. Through motorcycle races and career changes, lean times and financial success, many moves and life-challenges, good health, sickness and death, Dean and Dotty remained devoted to one another.

Dotty truly loved music. Her father played the accordion and her mother sang. She often recalled happy memories of growing up during the depression and told stories of her close-knit family and the fun and hard times they shared. Dotty played the organ and the accordion, but above all, she loved to dance. She and her daughter, Kim, were often seen dancing at the concerts at the gazebo at Beckwith Park. She was full of life and love, and she will be so dearly missed.

Dotty is survived by her husband, Dean, and six children: Stephanie L. Garrison, Mark F. Spangler, Vandy L. Garrison, Rodger D. (Leann) Garrison, Lisa A. (Chris) Garrison and Kim M. (Phil) Miller, as well as 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

According to her wishes, Dotty was cremated, and her ashes will be held by the family until Dean passes away, at which time he will be cremated and their ashes will be intermingled. There will be no funeral service. A party to celebrate Dotty’s life is planned from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. It will be held at The Elks Club, located at 300 Riverside Drive in Dowagiac. There will be music, dancing, food beverages and fun. That’s what Dotty wanted — “nothing more, and nothing less.” If Dotty touched your life, and you would like to celebrate with us, please come!