Dorothy Ellen (Carter) Hitchcock

Dorothy E. Hitchcock, 86, of Portland, passed away on July 25, 2018.  Dorothy was born March 4, 1932 to Ernest and Virgia Carter of Clinton County.  Dorothy grew up on a large dairy farm with her two brothers and sister.  It was on her parent’s farm that her love for horses began and never ended throughout her life.  In fact, Dorothy was still riding at age 84 before she became ill.  Dorothy graduated from Sexton High School and married Ray E. Hitchcock on October 28, 1950.  Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother and was never afraid of hard work, including building their several homes and barns.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Hitchcock, age 89, who passed away on May 5, 2018.  Dorothy and Ray were married 68 years.  Dorothy was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Bruce Carter of Montana and Jack Carter of Pewamo.  Dorothy is survived by her younger sister, Phyllis Britton and her husband, Robert Britton who currently lives in Tennessee.  Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Gail (Tim) Benda of Ionia and her son, Gary Hitchcock of Portland. Dorothy has many nieces and nephews that she loved as well as many other family members, friends, and neighbors.  Dorothy shared in common her love of horses with her niece, Denise (Roger) Arnesen of Pewamo and her daughter, Gail and son-in-law Tim.  Dorothy rode with her niece, daughter, and son-in-law as well as other neighbors as often as she could.  She loved taking the horses camping, trail riding, and to horse shows.  Dorothy was also successful in sales with a large clothing company, winning a trip to the Bahamas.  Dorothy will be sadly missed at Christmas and holidays as she loved to celebrate and loved to cook for her family.  Dorothy also loved to garden and there was never a plant or flower that didn’t flourish under her care.  Dorothy loved life in the country and was always smiling and found joy in everything small and large.

Cremation has taken place, the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the Memorial Service that will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland on Saturday, August 25, 2018 followed by interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906. Military Honors will be provided at the cemetery by the Grand Ledge VFW #3293. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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