Dorothy Frederick

A Eulogy

If ever there was a legacy for a family to be proud of, it is this one. For, depending on who we are, Dorothy leaves us with fond memories of a wonderful wife, a loving mother, a caring grandmother and great grand mother, a loving sister, a very good friend. We are indeed blessed with these memories.

Someone once said, "Of all the home remedies, a good wife is best." And, Dorothy was a good example of this. As a wife, living on the farm, Dorothy was always right there, willing and eager to help Erwin with whatever it was he had to do. The grandsons can remember how Dorothy would mix up a jug of grape koolaide for Erwin when he was out on the tractor. Dorothy would put on her straw hat and together they'd walk out to grandpa and fix him up with what he needed to keep on working in the field. Today we can marvel and be thankful for the witness Dorothy provided for these children by the way she loved her husband! Erwin says that she would even chase the livestock when they got out. We can agree that in many ways Dorothy lived out the scripture passage of Proverbs 31:10, which reads: "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

Those who knew the Frederick family, those who stopped by the house, knew the extant to which she went to serve her family and friends. For instance, Dorothy loved her gardening! Every summer, for years, Dorothy would spend hours putting out and taking care of a beautiful garden next to the house. And many of us may remember all her beautiful flowers. And, then, at Christmas time she would make popcorn balls and many different kinds of Christmas cookies, as well as fruit cakes for the Christmas carolers.

But, not only was Dorothy one who loved to serve her family, but we may also remember Dorothy as one who loved to serve her community, as well. Many of us will remember her work with the Pittsfield Union Grange for whom she served as secretary for many years. Or we might remember her as a fellow member of the Washtenaw County Extension Club. Or maybe some of us here knew her when she was a member of the Michigan State Grange where she worked as the Home Economics Chairman. And, as Erwin's wife, Dorothy even got involved with organizations he was involved with. An example of this would be the years she served as chairman of the Chicken Barbecue for the Washtenaw Farm Council.

So, indeed, Dorothy was one who gave of her time and resources for her community. And there are many of us sitting here today who will be grateful to her for what she did. For we may have directly benefitted from her hard work.

But, not only did Dorothy serve her family and her community. Dorothy served her church and her God, as well. As a member of the United Methodist Church, Dorothy and Erwin have been good examples of modern day disciples of Jesus Christ. In fact, I have a letter of commendation about Dorothy that was written back in 1973 by Nona Aurand, who was then President of the United Methodist Women. The letter reads:

"Dorothy Frederick has been co-chairman of the smorgasbord for many years. She has tried to better the Smorgasburd each year by adding new items. She has put in many hours of work and general preparation as well as keeping things running smoothly during serving time.

"The Smorgasbord has given a substantial boost to our ortanization's annual budget, as well as an opportunity for the church to work together in fellowship.

"The good coordinating job done by Dorothy has been a tremendous help to past presidents, as well as to myself. So, I want to say Thank You in behalf of the United Methodist Women."

There are scores of members of this church who could probably add an "Amen" to Nona's letter, for Dorothy was one who cared. She was one who loved to roll up her sleeves and work. She was one who would take charge of a project when called upon. And, only God knows how much we truly need more dedicated disciples like her in our midst.

Perhaps more profoundly was the faith that Dorothy had. Whenever I met her, whether it was in the hospital, or at her home, or at the home of her daughter, Roberta, Dorothy was one who would smile. And I always felt that her smile was her way of saying, "It's O.K.! God loves me and God loves you!" In spite of her illness, almost to the very end, this was Dorothy's message to me. And, somehow I get the feeling that Dorothy is really smiling upon us, now, from the loving arms of God.. And, still, her smile means the same thing: "It's O.K.! God loves me and God loves you!" Let us all remember that as the days and the weeks go by. Amen.