Dorothy Jeane Prouty

Dorothy Jeane (Love) Prouty of Traverse City passed away on November 6, 2021, after spending her last weeks surrounded by family and close friends. She was 91.

Born on June 11, 1930, Dottie was raised in Traverse City on Elmwood Avenue by her parents, J. Weston Love and Sadie Ellen (Heimforth) Love. Dottie was an accomplished young pianist, attended Interlochen National Music Camp, graduated from Traverse City High School, attended Wayne State University and graduated from Grace Hospital School of Nursing. She loved being a nurse and worked for many years at Munson Medical Center (Ob/Gyn) and in private Ob/Gyn practice for Drs. Blount, Finch, Good and Collins, before retiring in 1994. She was a longtime volunteer at the American Red Cross, the Northwest Michigan Blood Bank, and a member and Deacon at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City.

In 1952, Dottie married her high school sweetheart Herbert M. Prouty. Together they had four children: Patty, Polly, Paul and Peter. They raised their family in Traverse City, with short periods of time spent in Jackson and Grand Blanc.

After 50 years of marriage, Herb passed away in 2002, and Dottie was fortunate enough to find love again with William H. (Bill) Gordon. Dottie and Bill enjoyed 14 years together, wintering in Florida, volunteering at Interlochen, playing golf and spending time with their immediate and extended families and friends. Bill passed away in 2019.

Family and friends will remember Dottie as a kind and caring woman, ready to meet people from all walks of life, enjoy their stories, and accept them as they are. Dottie was a trailblazing working mother before most, and a mentor to many. She cherished her family, and loved spending time with her children and their spouses, her 11 grandchildren, and her many friends. She enjoyed entertaining at home, playing golf, attending concerts and volunteering at Interlochen, picking daisies along country roads, and a good red wine. And she loved being at home in the Traverse Hills condominium that she and Herb built for their retirement, visiting with neighbors, gardening and watching the variety of birds that visited regularly.

Dottie is survived by her children: Patty (Peter D'Arienzo) Prouty Wood of Spokane, WA; Polly (Scott) Walker of Kewadin: Paul (Mishelle) Prouty of Evergreen, CO; and Peter Prouty of Traverse City and Grand Haven.

Also surviving are her grandchildren: Andrew (Mairin Chesney) Wood, Sarah Wood, Ali Walker, Molly (Dr. Ryan) Haag, Cole Walker, Evin Prouty, Nat Prouty, Keenan Prouty, Ben Prouty, Dr. Jennifer (Michael) Rosso, and Macaire (Michael) Heybloom.

At Dottie's request, a celebration of her life will be held in Traverse City next summer. Details will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: Hospice of Michigan, NW 103, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Suite 1155, Traverse City, 49684; The Munson Healthcare Foundation for the benefit of Munson Hospice House, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, 49684; or to a charity of your choice.

Dottie's family extends a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff and her friends at Boardman Lake Glens and the Traverse City branch of Hospice of Michigan for their loving care and support.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Dottie's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.