Dorthy Jane Bortel

Dorthy was born on October 19, 1925, in Deshler, Ohio, to Bernard O’Dell and Wanda Ellen Arnold Wormley.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband David Bortel, her step-son John David, her sister Ruth L. Roach, and her twin sister Betty Zane Armstrong.

She is survived by her step-sons Michael of Apple Valley, Minnesota/ Mesa Arizona, and Larry (Susan) of Gray, Tennessee; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren; and sister Joy Reighard of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dorthy was a graduate of Pemberville, Ohio; Ft. Wayne Bible College (Taylor University, Ft. Wayne, Indiana); Nyack College, Nyack, New York; and Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. She taught school for 30 years in Ohio, Michigan, and West Africa. She began her teaching career in a One Room School in Michigan in 1947. In West Africa, she was a Missionary Teacher where she taught Missionary Children and did Missionary work among the Foulah People, from August 1957 to December 1966.

She married David S. Bortel, June 22, 1968, in Bowling Green, Ohio. Dorthy became an instant mother to three wonderful college-aged boys. In earlier years she had been their Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader. Following their marriage, David and Dorthy moved to Spring Arbor, Michigan in August 1968. Dorthy took up her teaching career again in Jackson, Michigan, until her retirement in 1981.

When Dorthy was in 5th grade, she began teaching Sunday School classes. She was a thankful Sunday School teacher for first graders at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church for many years. She was also involved in the Missionary Society, a small group leader for Woman to Woman and a Happy Volunteer in many other areas. She also did volunteer work serving as coordinator of the Knitting and Crocheting Group at the Spring Arbor Senior Center for many years.

Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery, next to her husband, David.

In lieu of a traditional funeral, a 2026 spring celebration of life will be held at her Spring Arbor Church with a graveside family celebration of life at Union Hill Cemetary in Bowling Green Ohio. Dates and times will be communicated in the spring through her church.

Memorial contributions in her honor can be made to Free Methodist Missions or Hope University, Free Methodist Foundation, 8050 Spring Arbor Road, Spring Arbor, Michigan. 49283

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