Dolores “Tike” Marietta (Carruthers) Pulver, 86, of Otsego passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019.
She was born Nov. 29, 1932, in Plainwell to John “Babe” and Winona (Hawkins) Carruthers. She graduated from Otsego High School in June 1950 and the American Beauty Academy in July 1963. She worked at Fashion Flair Beauty Salon for many years before opening Dee’s Chop Shop until she retired in November 2018.
She was united in marriage to Robert E. “Brute” Pulver on Dec. 15, 1950. They had five children. She was very active in her neighborhood and community.
She organized and held an annual Halloween party complete with trick or treating for 33 years at her home. She was the president of the Pine Creek Social Club.
Dolores loved to bake and enjoyed giving her homemade banana bread with chocolate chips to many recipients over the years, often delivered while still warm from the oven.
She was involved in music all her life. She directed a junior choir at the Otsego United Methodist Church for years, sang in the chancel choirs at the Otsego Church of God and at the Congregational Church downtown Kalamazoo. She was also active in the adult choir and played the organ and piano along with the dulcimer.
She was a born again Christian and a believer and was not afraid to share her faith and belief with anyone. She would never hesitate to stop and have prayer with anyone, anywhere. Dolores had heard a story about the dates of one’s life. The date you are born and the date you die. She was more focused on the part of the story that asks you—what did you do with your dash in between those dates? Those are the ones that count.
She was also about hugging those closest to you, and letting them know how much they mean to you. So, how is your dash?
Surviving are her children, Penny Kay (Lark) Baker of Otsego, Craig (Pam) Pulver of Kalamazoo, Michele Pulver of Otsego and Dixon (Karena) Pulver of Kalamazoo; daughter-in-law Barbara Pulver of Kalamazoo; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren with another due soon; one great-great-grandchild; brother Richard (Mary) Carruthers; sister Lana (Joseph) Langone; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert on July 18, 2000; son Mark Pulver; grandchildren, Mia Spalvieri Baker and Seth Browning; and her sister Marcia Walters in 2019.
Friends may meet with Dolores’ family from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Shaler officiating.
Contributions in memory of Dolores may be made to the Otsego United Methodist Church Youth Summer Camp Fund, Christian Neighbors or to the charity of choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
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