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Dorothy VanRiper Obituary
Age 82, died Monday, June 11, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 20, 1930 in Clifton, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph and Stella (Furmanek) Haider. She married William Van Riper on November 19, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Bill and Dottie met after a basketball game while Bill was in the Army Air Force, stationed at Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Dottie then joined the USO to see more of Bill. Dottie was a 4 H leader in the Blue Ribbon Florist Club. She was also a teacher and superintendent of Sunday School at First Congregational Church. They now attend Faith Baptist Church. Dottie volunteered at Faith in Action and was the orchestrator of the "Belles & Bonnetts" for Chelsea Sesquicentennial. The Van Riper farm was named "Dottie-O-Dairy Ranch" in her honor. She taught her family how to live a rich life filled with music and laughter. Dottie was a fun mother who gave total unconditional love. She ran the "Kool-aid" house where everyone was welcome. You could miss any holiday, but not Christmas eve, which was very important to her, she enjoyed having the children preform skits and showcase their talents. She played piano by ear and encouraged her children to learn to play an instrument. Survivors include her husband, Bill and seven children, Linda (Gary) White of Munith, Becky (Steve) Schultz of Ann Arbor, Jeff (Bridgette) Van Riper of Chelsea, Cindy (Dennis) Fischhaber of Chelsea, Billy (Patti) Van Riper of Chelsea, Gina (Kyle Corser) Van Riper of Unadilla, and Michael (Lisa) Van Riper of Chelsea. Dottie is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Dottie is survived by a brother Joseph (Jackie) Haider of FL and two sisters; Irene Preziosi and Joanie Ferguson both of NJ. Dottie was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ray Preziosi. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 21, 11:00am at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Road Chelsea, MI 48118 with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. The family wants to extend their gracious gratitude to the staff of Arbor Hospice, and donations can be given to Arbor Hospice, Faith in action or Faith Baptist Church. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy VanRiper
Eula (Montgomery) Eddy
June 7, 2025
Please accept my sincere condolences
June 21, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Steve Smith "Smitty"
Barbara Fredette
June 19, 2012
Dear Bill and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Dottie's passing. She will live on in all of you until you meet again. Our hearts go out to you.
Charley and Barbara Fredette
Deb Sgroi
June 19, 2012
Becky and family. So sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.
Rick Parsons
June 18, 2012
Becky And Family So sorry to hear of your loss. My Prayers are with your Family.
Dwight Spiegelberg
June 17, 2012
Wishing you strength to endure, at this time loss. So sorry.
Dick Steffens
June 15, 2012
Bill, So sorry to hear about your loss. I know she kept you going in the right direction! Keep looking over your shoulder, she will be right there! My condolences to you and the family.
Kirk Naebeck
June 14, 2012
Van Riper Family - So sorry to hear of your loss. My Prayers are with your Family.
Brian Cashman
June 14, 2012
Bill, we heard today the news about Dotti. Our condolences for your loss. Peggy and I looked forward to sitting with you and Dotti at the FIA volunteer dinners.
June 14, 2012
Dear Bill. Sorry to read about your loss. I am sure that God and your family will comfort and care for you. Eunice and Dwain Dancer Class of 47
Peggy Cashman
June 14, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dotti's passingl. God's blessings and comfort to the family. I enjoyed talking with her at the FIA dinners.
Nancy Knott
June 14, 2012
To the entire Van Riper family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a fun and a fantastic person, and I am glad I knew her. Bill, I know how hard this is for you, and can only hope time will be able to heal you and your family's loss. I hold you all in my prayers.
Nancy Knott
John Parisho
June 14, 2012
Bill I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dottie. Enjoyed the may lunches we spent at Main Street, with my mom and dad and you and Dot. She will be missed.
Nikki (Towler) Powley
June 14, 2012
I used to work at WSDS with Jeff, as did my grandma, and my heart goes out to his family at this sad time. It's a great picture of Dottie. I could see Jeff in her eyes. God Bless you all!
Eula Eddy
June 14, 2012
My heart felt sympathy to the family.
Sandy Ball-Jenkins
June 14, 2012
I was sorry to hear about Dot's passing. She was a wonderful lady and I know she is going to be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. I'm sorry I can't make the memorial service, but you are all in my prayers.
Sandy Ball-Jenkins
Laura Parks
June 14, 2012
Bill, I know how much you loved and appreciated Dottie, she was a wonderful woman and you were both so lucky to have had such a wonderful full life together. She will be greatly missed. Laura from the lab.
June 13, 2012
To the Schultz and VanRiper family, so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. She was a wonderful person and will be remembered by many as an inspiration to all. Rick and Julie McLean
June 13, 2012
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom and Grandmother. She was a very special lady and will be missed. She was a friend of my Mom's and was in the county Extension group in the Rogers Corners area. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Craig
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