On February 16, 2023 Dorothy Jane Wilbert passed away peacefully in Ocala, Florida at the age of 97.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Emma Farner, her sister Betty Riley, and her husband Edward Wilbert. She was a child during The Great Depression growing up in Michigan. She graduated from Busch High School in 1943 where she was a majorette and later attended Wayne State University.
With the onset of WWII, Dorothy went to work for the Detroit Tank Arsenal as a crane operator. Later she became a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone. Her employment was varied, but the job that she valued most was being a Mom to her two children, Sherry Sterns of TX and Gary Lingle of NE. While raising her family, Dorothy raised and showed quarter horses. She became the first woman to win the Michigan State Championship in Reining Class.
Dorothy was a pioneer in many other ways. She was among the first female flag people on a highway crew. The pay was good and so was the tan! She founded a western supply store during a time when woman-owned businesses were rare. She was a member of the PTA, active in Girl Scouts, and raised dogs.
Competitive by nature, she loved playing tennis and cards. She married Edward Wilbert in 1978 and added a son, Ed (Butch), and 2 daughters, Nancy (deceased) and Susan, to her growing clan. Dorothy and Ed became “snowbirds” spending winters Florida and eventually became year round residents. Dorothy in particular took pleasure in her tennis winning several medals in the Senior Games along with travel, involvement with the Red Hats, and especially the card clubs that kept her sharp, focused and involved.
She was a proud Grandma. Whether visiting in person or staying connected through the many cards and phone calls, she loved her grandchildren deeply. Dorothy is survived by 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. There are also many nieces and nephews that knew the gift of her love.
Dorothy’s zest for life was contagious and kindness emanated from her. Strangers, both human and animal were drawn towards her and she seemed to be able to make the shyest child smile
God, family, and country were her guide posts. She had a particular empathy for our wounded veterans. Memorial’s may be sent to any one of our outstanding veteran organizations such as the Wounded Warriors Project.