Dorothy Zea Stough, 94, of Allegan passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at Allegan County Medical Care Community. Dorothy was born March 9, 1922, in Grand Rapids. She was married to her husband John for more than 50 years and together they raised three children, Ted, Linda and Val.
After her last child was born, Dorothy went back to Allegan High School and graduated in 1953, so she could go to nursing school. While at nursing school, she obtained her LPN. From 1969 to 1974, she worked as a charge nurse at the TB Sanitary State Mental Hospital in Kalamazoo. Throughout her life, she also worked as a private nurse taking care of former Congressmen and former mayors. She also took care of her parents.
In 1974, Dorothy decided to open her own ear piercing business called, "Golden Dot." She traveled all over the state of Michigan in her motor home stopping at Ames, Big Wheel, and K-Mart parking lots, running her business inside their stores.
Never having a dull moment in her life, Dorothy became a private investigator in Kalamazoo in 1965 and worked there until 1969. She held memberships with the Business Professional Women for two years and the Lady Elks for 20 years. She worked as the secretary for the Lady Elks in 1979-80, and was the secretary and vice president of the Michigan State Employees for five years.
Dorothy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Allegan.
In her "down-time," Dorothy enjoyed crocheting and sewing. She also liked to paint with water colors and other crafts. She traveled all over and really enjoyed camping. She always enjoyed getting visitors, especially if you were a child, they lit up her world.
Dorothy is survived by her three children, Ted and Leona Stough, Linda Ware, Val and Norm Smith; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Stough.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 9, at Gorden Funeral Residence. Pastor Wally Coots officiated. Interment was at Millgrove Cemetery, Valley Township.
Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Dollars for Scholars or Allegan County Medical Care Community.
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