We celebrate the life of our dear Dorothy Beverly Marten born March 31, 1927, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Alice (Frost) and William Milligan where she joined her big brother Bill whom she adored. Dorothy met and fell in love with Edward J. Marten in Ottawa for whom she was a continual support after he was conscripted to war. They were married on September 1, 1946, and had four children together.
Dorothy loved her family with all her heart. They were her greatest joy. She was generous and always made sure everyone’s gifts were even. No one was left out. No one was favored. We all knew we were the favorite. Her encouragement, wisdom, and shoulders were freely available to family, friends, and all in need of them. She thought of everyone first, herself last, and gave the best hugs.
She loved to watch all the best television. Dynasty, Love Boat, and I Love Lucy were favorites. When the grandchildren stayed at Gramma’s and Grampa’s, together they got to watch the shows banned by their parents.
Dorothy loved to bake, cook, and eat. And especially loved to eat out at Denny’s. Some of our favorite memories with her are of food. It wasn’t a surprise when she would go into the kitchen and begin baking in the evening. She always had cookies and sweets and loved to share. She loved caramel macchiatos with extra caramel and would nurse that all day long. She contributed to and helped compile the recipe book “The Cherished Recipes of Glendale Heights.”
One of her true passions was shopping. She gifted us with toys, books, and the trendiest clothes. She was always glamorous when the occasion called for it, even if that occasion meant lounging on the couch in pastel pajamas. Her earrings were always on. Her nails were always polished. There was always a hidden tissue tucked in her sleeve.
She had the most beautiful soprano voice and was always singing. As she walked and breathed, she sang. Her fondness was the songs of her childhood including That’s Amore, Eye Winky Brow Brinky, Mares Eat Oats, and Row, Row, Row Your Boat, after which she always said, “Life certainly is but a dream, isn’t it?”
Dorothy worked at Anchor Products for 45 years. She loved to work. She welcomed the challenge of the computer as its implementation rose in prominence over the decades. She also worked at Fannie May Chocolate, and it was always a treat when she brought “work” home to us. In her early years, she was a church secretary at Zion Evangelical Lutheran, Ottawa, Illinois.
Dorothy loved Jesus with her whole heart. She talked to Him about us, and she reminded us regularly that she prayed specifically for us. She showed us how to love each other and taught us to live in peace. She loved because He first loved her. She is in heaven having run her race and is celebrating with her Savior.
Dorothy is survived by her children Carole Sullivan, Mary (George) Toben, and Dorothy Sue (Joe) Stewarts; grandchildren Donna (Corby) Blem, D. Michael Sullivan, Stephanie Sullivan, Christine (David Finkle) Laadimi, George “Teg” (Katie) Toben, John (Deena) Toben, Edward (Veronica) Toben, Paul (Katie) Toben, Sarah (Tony Hernandez) Stewarts, Kelly (Lance) Conway, Tyler Stewarts, Amy Stewarts, Jacob Stewarts, and Maggie Stewarts; Great Grandchildren Andrew (Angel) Messersmith, Benjamin Messersmith, Logan Duclos, Zoe Duclos, Jocelyn Toben, Elaina Toben, Lily Toben, Hannah Toben, Nathan Toben, Elijah Toben, Isabella Toben, Sophia Toben, Lalito Toben, Abby Conway, Joel Conway, Kate Conway, Collin Conway, and Gwen Conway.
Proceeding her in death were her husband Edward J. Marten, son Edward William (Jay) Marten, mother and father Alice Elizabeth and William Randolph Milligan, brother William Milligan, sister-in-law Alvis Marten, niece Gail Milligan, son-in-law Donald Sullivan, and granddaughter Cheryle Messersmith.
And as she often said, now we get to say, “Mom, Gramma, and Nana, we love you more.”
Dorothy’s Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Highland, Indiana, on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:40 a.m.
Dorothy was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer.
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