Dorothy Wells

Frankenmuth, MI

Dorothy Elizabeth Wells of Frankenmuth, entered heaven with a peaceful heart May 28, 2025 at the age of 99.  Dorothy Boettcher was born April 19, 1926, in Flint, Michigan, daughter of the late Fred and Agnes (Naegele) Boettcher.

Dorothy graduated from Flint Northern in 1944 and worked for Buick in the cost department office 10 yrs (1944-54) in the period when they were making airplane and tank engines.  In 1949, she traveled with girlfriends to Cuba and remembers looking into a wishing well and wishing for a husband.  That same year she met Billy Wells, and they were married 2 years later.  She said his Desoto convertible made a big impression on her.  Dorothy and Billy were married in 1951, and had three children: Lamar, Kay, and Karen, and granddaughter Connyr filled their hearts with an abundance of love.

Dorothy was always the mom who didn't send her children to school empty handed, especially when there were holidays, birthdays or special occasions.  She was known for making the best baked goods, cookies, cupcakes, and popcorn balls.  Anything she wished to try making turned out successful.  She spent tons of time in the kitchen, always remembering the favorites of loved ones, and making sure to share as her gesture of love.

Dorothy was bold and beautiful.  She had an extremely strong sense of determination that was unmatched, including successfully changing her diet to reverse her chronic kidney disease.   She felt compelled to do the quirky, try new things, seek new adventures and wasn't afraid to say, "let me try."  At age 73 she decided it was time to learn about a new way of communicating called email, so she took a computer class.  She enjoyed downhill skiing with family, laying claim that she skied from the Vail summit to the bottom.  She had a knack for home remedies and always displayed eagerness to demonstrate her doctor-like skills.  Her confidence and independence shined after losing her husband Billy of 67 years as she lived independently in her own home until six weeks before her death.

Dorothy and Billy both loved to travel.  Family travels took them to California, Florida, Washington D.C. and the New York World's Fair.  They felt blessed to have been able to travel to Europe one summer and traveled throughout the Midwest in the early 1980's before selecting a second home in Swiss Village, Winter Haven, Florida upon retirement.  Attending the Olympics was a dream that became reality in 1996 in Atlanta.

Dorothy saw the positive in everything, and just when she detected someone didn't, she'd break into one of her favorite songs from Annie: "The Sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun."  Her glass was always more than half full.

Dorothy had a lifelong devotion to her Lutheran faith. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church since childhood.  She and Billy continued to be faithful to Emanuel, while also being endeared to Crown of Glory Lutheran in Orlando, Florida.  They later transferred to St. John's Lutheran of Frankenmuth.  Dorothy was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society for over 50 years and attended 13 National Conventions including a trip to Antigua.

Dorothy's compassion and generosity was evident for many years with her frequent home visits to many homebound friends.  Her benevolence also became apparent in the late 1970's when she began volunteering with the Easter Seal Society and became one of their most dedicated volunteers for 20 years.

Dorothy is survived by her children Lamar Wells, Kay (Jerry Riordan) Wells-Riordan, Karen (Paula Sagala) Wells, and her granddaughter Connyr (Connor) Gallogly, as well as brother-in-law Norm Howard Wells, sister-in-law Jean Wells, and several nieces and nephews.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husband Billy Wells, brother and sister-in-law Harold and Shirley (Meyer) Boettcher, her parents Fred and Agnes Boettcher, and niece Susan Wells.

A private funeral will take place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Wellspring Lutheran Services Hospice.