Dorothy Hanks, age 82 of Dearborn, Michigan.  Beloved wife of Richard Hanks, Sr of 60 years.  Loving mother of Colleen, Nancy and the late Merle Pelham, Mark (Laura), Linda (Andy), Richard (Becky) and Chris (Pam).  She was a loving grandmother to fifteen grandchildren, one great grandchild and 2 on the way.  Dearest sister to Stan (Kathy) and Raymond.

She was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Stella Zarosley, her brother Edward and brother Tony, and her in-laws Elmer and Ona Hanks, brother-inlaws Wesley (Terry) and Jack Hanks.

Dorothy was born in Detroit Michigan and met her sweetheart Richard and married in April, 1962.  They raised six children and had several beloved pet dogs.  Living in the same house in Dearborn, they built a lifetime of memories.  Early in their family life, they celebrated birthdays, holidays and yearly camping trips in northern lower Michigan with all the children packed in the travel trailer and later the 'girls tents' and the 'boys tents'.  These joyous trips included Dorothy's brothers and families also.  Many happy memories at Clear Lake swimming, fishing and water skiing on JuJu's (Stan and Kathy) ski boat.  Once the kids had graduated from High School and made their well-prepared journey through life, Dorothy and Richard began to enjoy life as a couple again.  She eventually worked as secretary/girl Friday to Tom at International Purchasing.  Tom generously introduced Dorothy and Richard to wonderful vacation gifts, theatre tickets and fine wine and dining.

Eventually, the travel trailer was sold, and they bought lakefront property in Lewiston, Michigan.  A dream 'home away from home' and Hanks Haven of many relaxing summer days, family gatherings, Fall celebrations of Dorothy's birthday or Richard's hunting trips, allowing Dorothy to spend her alone time to relax or redecorate while Richard was away.

Speaking of being away, anyone who called and got the answering machine, heard Dorothy's pleasant phone voice saying "You have reached Richard, Dorothy and Holly, we can't come to the phone right now, because we are busy doing other things."

Dorothy retired and started another chapter with Richard who was retired and waiting for her to do the same.  They enjoyed watching TV in the evenings, spending time on the patio in the summertime, shopping at Kohl's and visiting their children and families and grandchildren.  Holidays were spent at the kids houses and the circle of life continued.  There were many happy times, some sad times and then health started to decline.  Dorothy valiantly faced those health issues head on.  She was a rock and foundation to her family; she was well organized and kept everything in order even during her most difficult trials.  During those final days, so many of her doctors and nurses would tell the family what a sweet and pleasant lady she was to them.  She was kind and loving and very generous to family, friends and charities.

Dorothy will be greatly missed, but her memory will never leave her loved ones.  The joy of being together in the heavenly mansion prepared for her and all of those she loved will one day be her reward.

Visitation at the Dearborn Chapel of Howe-Peterson Funeral Home on Sunday, April 24, 4-8pm. Rosary at 7pm. Instate at St. Kateri on Monday, April 25, at 10am until time of Mass at 11am.