Dorothy M. Hutcheson, 76
Dorothy M. Hutcheson, 76, "went home to her Lord" on Aug. 20, 2005, after a long battle with cancer.
Dorothy was born March 21, 1929, to Helen and Elmer Kuhlman in Hammond, Ind. She graduated from high school in 1947 and often spoke of her high school years as the best time to grow up. She loved the music of the '40s, and danced her way through the big-band era. She attended Indiana University, but did not graduate.
Dorothy's greatest sorrow was that she never had children. She doted on her nieces and nephew. Then, in 1965, she met the love of her life, Robert Hutcheson, who had three children. In 1966, she moved to Woodbury, N.J., and married Bob and her ready-made family. Dorothy loved her stepchildren and was passionate in her love for "her" grandchildren when they arrived.
She lived the life of her dreams in Woodbury. She worked in Bob's office as a bookkeeper and helped out wherever necessary. She loved charity work, especially through the medical auxiliary, and delighted in organizing dinner dances and fashion shows for worthy causes. She loved to cook and entertain, and was chairman of a cookbook committee that organized and printed a cookbook, the proceeds of which provided scholarships for young people entering health careers.
In 1987, the Hutchesons retired and spent two years in Florida before moving to Lakeside. She loved her church, the Lakeside Chapel, and made many friends through the Chapel, the Lakeside Community Club, and her treasured bridge and pinochle clubs.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Elmer Kuhlman.
She is survived by her husband, Robert B. Hutcheson; stepchildren, Robert B. Hutcheson Jr., of Boca Raton, Fla., John Brian Hutcheson of Wilton Manors, Fla., and Carol Kuhn of Loxahatchee, Fla. She also leaves her sister Helen McNeill and her husband, James, of Hartsville, Ind., and a sister, Marlene Hulsey, of Griffith, Ind. Dorothy is also survived by her grandchildren, Robert B. Hutcheson III of Fresco, Texas, Michael Sean Hutcheson of Atlanta, Kelley Hutcheson of Durham, N.C., and Lauren Hutcheson of Wilton Manors; nieces and nephew, Lynne Kane of Yellow Springs, Ohio, Cathy Cole of Hilton Head, S.C., Doria Leggatt of Ancaster, Ontario, Jill Pfister of Valparaiso, Ind., Janice Runyon of Hartsville, Ind., Gwen of Highland, Ind., and Joe McNeill of Bloomington, Ind. Dorothy is also survived by many dear friends and her very special friend, Hedy Ehrlich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the Lakeside Chapel, with Pastor John Ulrich officiating.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.