Delcie White

March 15, 1936 - August 18, 2021

Delcie White, 85, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2021 at the Clare in Chicago after living contentedly with Alzheimer’s for ten years. By her side was her loving daughter Kelli and her son-in-law, Matthew. Delcie was born March 15, 1936 in Traverse City, Michigan. She was the youngest of six children, with five older brothers. While attending high school in Muskegon, MI, she met and married her first husband, Ronald Knop. They both attended Western Michigan University earning their bachelor’s degrees in education in 1961. They were married twenty years and had three children. Following graduation Delcie taught elementary school in Wayne, Michigan. After Ronald earned his degree in Dentistry from the University of Michigan the family moved to Midland, Michigan where Delcie taught for Midland Public Schools. She always had a thirst for education and earned a master’s degree in speech therapy and also a master’s degree in learning disabilities, while continuing to teach. Delcie decided to tackle a new field in the 1970’s when she trained for and became a myofunctional therapist. Although she experienced success in this field she returned to her true love, teaching. During her career she was not only a teacher but she was a friend and mentor to many because of her kind and loving nature. Delcie continued to teach until 1990 when she retired from Midland Public Schools as a speech therapist. Delcie met her second husband, Glenn White, a tax attorney for Dow Chemical Company, while living in Midland. They married in 1983 and were happily married 25 years. Following their retirement, she and Glenn spent their time together at homes in Omena, Michigan and Marco Island, Florida, while traveling the world, as well as visiting their 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Delcie was a long-time member of the National Education Association and was also a member of Women in Higher Education (Marco Island) chapter, as well as the Herb and Garden Club of Omena, Michigan. Delcie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn White; her dear brother John Dixon and brothers Ivan and Leroy Dixon. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Barbara LaBelle, Brian Knop, Kelli (Matthew) Fitzgerald; two step children, Duncan (Kelley) White, Andrea (Greg) Hosbien; her brothers Chester and Lawrence Dixon; grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many loving and supportive friends and neighbors. She will forever live in our hearts. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 14, 10:00 AM, at the Omena Presbyterian Church, Omena. Delcie will be laid to rest in the Omena Hillside Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Delcie’s name. You may visit Delcie’s tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com, and share a memory or condolences.