Dorthea Carlson

Dorthea (Stearns) Carlson, 81, of Grayling, passed away on October 29, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Dorthea was born on June 18, 1943, in Saginaw to James and Valerie (Prosser) Stearns. She and Hallis (Hal) Carlson were joined in marriage on June 25, 1960, in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Following their marriage, Dorthea worked several positions, including as a tax preparer for H&R Block. In 1974, the Carlson family moved to Grayling, where the couple purchased Jim's Well Drilling (now Clearwater Drilling) from her father Jim. Dorthea then worked as a bookkeeper in the family business until her retirement. She and Hal spent many winters in their home in Sebring, Florida, and traveled to locations all around the United States-including Alaska-in their motor home.

Dorthea had a variety of talents and interests: She was the organist and pianist at her Indiana church and at the Grayling Free Methodist Church; belonged to Grayling's garden club; created beautiful gardens around her home in Grayling; enjoyed painting, ceramics, and other crafts; and loved camping, playing cards and board games and spending time with her family. She was also adventurous enough to play on a softball team, try white-water rafting, do some trail riding in a quad and go four-wheeling on Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Survivors include her husband Hal; sister Diana Tolbert; daughter Brenda Carlson-Brown (and husband Joseph Brown) of Grayling, daughter Cheryl Hubbard ( and husband Richard) of Grayling, son Bruce (and wife Lynn) of Croton, and son Glen (and wife Minnie) of Grayling; grandchildren Jessica Stewart, William (Jennifer) Stewart, Timothy (Elizabeth) Carlson, Tiffany Carlson, Cody Carlson, Chase Carlson, Shade Carlson, Skyler Withers, Elaina Withers, and Tyler Withers; and great-grandchildren Cameron and Kiley Stewart and Lucy and Alice Carlson.

The Carlson family looks forward to greeting guests at the Grayling Free Methodist Church on Saturday, November 16, at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., and a luncheon at the church will follow at 12 noon. Following Dorthea's wishes, the family encourages casual dress.

Dorthea was a gentle and generous spirit, known to all who loved her for the joy she found in her garden. It was her sanctuary, a place she filled with vibrant flowers, peaceful moments, and the beauty she cultivated with her own hands. We wish to honor her life and passion by creating a memorial within her cherished garden-a place where family, friends, and loved ones can come to remember and feel her presence. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Grayling Community Garden.

Condolences can be shared at www.sorensonlockwood.com

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.