Dorothy A. Riley

Dorothy Adel Ross was born in Milwaukee Ill on June 1st 1922. She passed away peacefully on January 2nd, 2018 of natural causes. She was often called Dot and resided at Green House Homes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Dorothy was born to Richard and Isabel Ross. Isabel’s family moved to Waukegan from England. After high school Dorothy entered nurses training at St Therese Hospital in Waukegan from which she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She met Arthur Riley of Grand Rapids, MI at a USO dance. He was in the Navy and stationed at Great Lakes, Ill.   They were married April 7th, 1945.  After the war was over, they moved to Arthur’s home town of Grand Rapids, Mi.   Their first house was on Union St. in Grand Rapids.  141 Union is where they raised 4 children.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur, her younger brother Lawrence Ross and grandson Brian Riley.    

Dorothy is survived by her children Patrick Riley (Mary Lou), Richard Riley, Suzanne Cross and Barbara VanderPloeg (Jim); her brother Robert Ross (Elizabeth); her sister-in-law Bonnie Ross.  There are six Grandchildren:  Meredith Soddy (Tim), Matthew Cross (Jessica N.), Jessica Cross, Michael VanderPloeg, Dane VanderPloeg and Allison VanderPloeg.  Great Grand Children:  Amanda Soddy and Ian Cross who is soon to be a big brother. 

Mom’s light dimmed when Dad died in 2014.   She was Dad’s constant companion and the greatest Mother any family could wish for.  Her smile will be missed by all. Rest in peace beautiful lady.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 20th at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral home located at 4291 Cascade Rd S.E. Grand Rapids 49546. Visitation at 1:00pm, service at 2:00pm.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

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