Dorothy E, Barclay

Dorothy Barclay was a woman known by many, and a woman loved by all. She always put others first, whether it was family or friends, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a great caregiver, a great entertainer, and a great friend. But what Dorothy was more than anything, was a great example.

Dorothy Evelyn Barclay was born June 4, 1918 in Scottville, the oldest of four children to Harley J. and Anna J. (Anderson) Sprague. Dorothy's dad ran a printing company in the town of Scottville, and the Spragues lived in a house on East Broadway. Dorothy was very close to her two younger sisters growing up, Mildred and Betty. Their dad built the girls a beautiful playhouse, and allowed each to pick a tree in the backyard for their own tree swing.

The Spragues were faithful and active members of the Scottville Methodist Church, and this instilled Dorothy with a deep and lifelong devotion to her faith. She and her sisters were all very active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship, also called the Epworth League.

When Dorothy was young, the family moved just down the road to Ludington, where the Spragues joined the Ludington Methodist Church, and Dorothy graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1937.

After graduation, Dorothy stayed at home to care for her mother, who had fallen ill. While caring for her, she attended Mason County Normal School to study teaching, and then taught for two years at Weldon Creek School.

In 1939, the Spragues moved to Chicago for work, and the devoted Dorothy followed her family. Life was quite different for a small-town girl, but Dorothy adapted well and soon found a job working for the National Transportation and Safety Board, where she worked for 20 years. She also worked some for a greeting card company.

In 1959, Dorothy decided she'd had enough of the rat-race of the Windy City, and moved back to the familiar surroundings of Mason County. While attending a family outing, she was introduced to a man named Stuart Barclay, who was a friend of the family. Dorothy and Stuart hit it off immediately and began courting. They married on March 14, 1959, at the Scottville Methodist Church, and honeymooned in northern Michigan near the Straits of Mackinac. The winter weather was fierce with a terrible snowstorm, and even though the happy couple was traveling near the Mackinac Bridge, they couldn't see it!

The couple returned home and began their new life together on the Barclay family farm, a Centennial Farm in Scottville. Dorothy was very much in love with Stuart, it was visible by her actions. They were more than a couple; they were best friends, and eventually business partners. They purchased Abrahamson's Paint & Glass, located on James Street in Ludington, from Stuart's uncle, and operated it together for many years. Many new friendships were fostered during these years, and this provided them with a great source of satisfaction.

Dorothy made friends wherever she went. She and Stuart loved to entertain, having friends over for coffee, and enjoying one of Dorothy's wonderful cakes. In addition to being a terrific hostess, Dorothy was also an excellent baker. While Dorothy was finishing her baking in the kitchen, Stuart would often take friends for a spin around the property in his old car.

The Barclay farm was a beloved spot for many. When relatives came to town, the first stop was always Dorothy's. She remained close to her family, both the Sprague's and the Barclay's, and the welcome mat was always out, coffee brewing, and cake on the table.

Dorothy was the consummate caregiver. Whether it was her mother, her mother-in-law, her father, uncle or others, she was always ready to help, to heal, or to brighten their days. Though she never had children of her own, she was very close to her sister Betty, and Dorothy's nieces and nephews were more like grandchildren to her. She attended all of Betty's family functions, from holidays, graduations, birthdays or any special event involving family.

Dorothy was also close to Stuart's children, and spent some winters in Florida with Stuart's daughter Janet, husband Fred and her family. Any occasion was a good excuse to spend time with family.

Of course, Dorothy wasn't very big on traveling, and truth be told, was kind of a homebody. Home after all, was where her family could be found. Dorothy was easy to please, content to play pinochle with friends and family, do needlework, or curl up with a good book. She especially enjoyed reading scriptures and prayers. Dorothy remained active in the church her whole life as a member of the Scottville United Methodist Church, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women.

Dorothy was a wonderful caregiver, a natural hostess, great friend, and family member. She was a very special lady, with a tender heart, an open hand, and a deep love for her husband. But what Dorothy was more than anything, was a wonderful example, one that will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.

Her beloved husband Stuart preceded her in death on July 20, 2002. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents, and her nephew Richard Lunde. She will be lovingly remembered by her stepchildren Janet (Fred) Lively, and Warren Barclay all of Florida, her grandchildren Laura Stone, Diane Gore, Cindy Tackett, and David Lively, her brother Byron (Gloria) Sprague of Chicago, Ill., her sisters Mildred Jabrocki and Betty Lunde both of Ludington, and many special nieces and nephews whom were very dear to her. Funeral services will be held for Dorothy at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23 at the Scottville United Methodist Church, with her pastor, the Rev. Robert Jones officiating. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the Stephens Life Story Funeral Home in Scottville, and on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Scottville United Methodist Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Dorothy's complete Life Story, leave a memory for her family, or sign the guestbook.