Obituary: Dorothy J. Dennis

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Dorothy J. Dennis, 91, a former resident of the Copper Country, died peacefully at her home in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday November 5, 2022 surrounded by family of natural causes.

Dorothy was born in Hancock, MI on January 23, 1931 to the late Irving and Ethel (Scholar) Yoohs.  After graduating from Hancock Central High School in 1950, she married her high school sweetheart, Philip (“Broda”) Dennis in a double wedding ceremony at the Hancock First United Methodist Church on August 8, 1953 with her sister, Genevieve Yoohs and Walfred Ponnikas.  She remained a lifelong member of the Hancock First United Methodist Church.  Dorothy and Phil spent a love-filled 61 plus years of marriage together.

Dorothy remained in Hancock, until 2003, when she and Phil decided to migrate to Florida to be near their son (Donn) and youngest daughter (Jane), and to get some well-deserved winter warmth and sunshine.  However, Dorothy and Phil loved the Copper Country and always viewed it as their true home.  Until health issues arose, they continued to regularly visit that area in the summers, where they enjoyed spending time at their camp on the Hancock Canal, visiting their oldest daughter (Terry) and numerous lifelong friends.

Aside from raising her family, Dorothy had many life interests.  She enjoyed the arts, including playing the piano, acting and singing.  She was an accomplished soprano/alto singer.  She sang in the choir of the First United Methodist Church in Hancock for over 30 years and performed at numerous community events throughout her life.  Dorothy cherished her faith and the many church fellowship activies she actively participated in.  She also enjoyed baking and was an expert.  Her cooking skills were amazing and she was well known in the community for her “goodies” and delicious meals.

After graduating from high school, Dorothy initially worked at Liberty Loan (Hancock, MI).  Later, she assumed an even more important occupation – a full-time home engineer, expertly raising her children and later expanding her brood to include helping raise several grandkids as a loving mother and grandmother, respectively.

Dorothy is survived by three children, Terry Dennis (Hancock, MI), Donn Dennis, M.D. (Gainesville, FL), and Jane (Antonio David) Dennis-David (Gainesville, FL), a sister, Carol Kirkish (Seattle, WA); six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by a sister Genevieve (Walfred) Ponnikas (Negaunee, MI), and two brothers, Robert (Dorothy) Yoohs (Washington, MI), and Donald (Marilyn) Yoohs (Green Bay, WI).

Dorothy was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many individuals.  She touched the lives of countless people.  She was kind, nurturing, gentle, loving, forgiving, optimistic and generous.  Our memories of her will be cherished.  In honor of Dorothy, the family asks that any memorial donations be directed to the Hancock First United Methodist Church, 401 Quincy Street, PO Box 458, Hancock, MI 49930, or to the charity of their choice in Dorothy’s name. 

Per her wishes, Dorothy will be cremated at the Crevasse Funeral Home in Gaineville, FL.

A small, private ceremony with family will be held to celebrate her life.

It was Dorothy’s wish to have her ashes spread in the Copper Country along with those of her husband, Phil.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting the family with Copper Country arrangements.

Please share your memories of Dorothy with her family at www.oneilldennisfh.com.