In Memory
Dolores June Donathen
Apr. 22, 1927 - Jul. 12, 2004
Dolores J. Donathen, 77, of Granger, Ind., passed away on July 12, 2004, in the Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, South Bend, Ind.
Dolores was born on April 22, 1927, in South Bend, to the late Glenn M. and Margaret R. (Horning) Beasecker. On July 6, 1947, in Mishawaka, Ind., she married the love of her life, Marion P. "Red" Donathen. For 57 years they lived their song, "If you were the Only Girl in the World and I were the Only Boy." To this union three children were born: a daughter, Paula (Bob) Shumaker of Mishawaka; and two sons, Dennis R. Donathen of Granger and Michael G. (Janice) Donathen of Irons, Mich. Dolores is also survived by two sisters, Shirley (Bob) Brown and Darlene (Bill) Whitten, both of Mishawaka; three grandchildren, Dawna R. Weidman of Mishawaka, Dennis P. Donathen of Rocky Mount, N.C., and Michael G. Donathen Jr. of Custard, Mich.; along with five great-grandchildren, Steven, Ashley, Joshua, Seth and Alex.
For many years Dolores was known as "Mrs. Dee." She worked with her daughter teaching "Wee Worship" at the Harris Prairie Church of Christ and the "Friends In Learning" pre-school. But her talents went beyond just teaching ABC's and Colors; for many years she researched and studied the Bible, especially the Book of Revelation. She shared her knowledge and research with young and old from Niles, Mich., to Titusville, Fla., teaching Sunday school as well as Bible home study.
Dolores always said that God gave her many talents; she was blessed with a voice of song. Even after diabetes took her eyesight, she memorized the music and sang with the choir. God blessed her again with the gift of fashion design, oil, charcoal, and her favorite, watercolor painting. Many of her paintings won First Place and hung in places like Tippecanoe Place and the LaSalle Hotel.
Later in life she started researching the family genealogy, and for many years was a member and served on committees of the Daughters of American Revolution, Schuyler-Colfax chapter, the Elkhart Historical Society and the Indiana Genealogy Society. Dolores served as president of the Elkhart Chapter for many years and helped others to find lost children, parents and other family members. She was also a member of the Michiana Doll House Association.
God blessed her life with love and many other talents, but her greatest blessing was what she gave back to those who knew and loved her.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, July 15, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16, at the Harris Prairie Cemetery in Granger, with Brother Ed Erskin, minister, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Michiana Christian Service Camp or to the Northway Church of Christ.
05/21/2021 DEC
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