Dorothy Helen Frakes

Dorothy Frakes, 94, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. A Time of Gathering will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Glenn Rosenbaum offering a prayer at 6:00 PM. A private burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery at a later date. Memorials contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dorothy was born on June 29, 1924 in Benton Harbor to Daniel and Ernstina (Biemler) Bedunah.  She married Donald Frakes in Michigan City, IN on November 30, 1946.  After graduating from Benton Harbor High School, she went on to Lake Michigan College and received her Associates Degree in Applied Science  This led to her employment as a nurse for Whirlpool Corporation in Plant 7. As a person who enjoyed working with her hands, you could always find Dorothy with a project, whether it be crocheting, knitting, sewing, or cross stitch. She also loved spending time in her flower garden.  First in her life; however, was family.  She was never happier than on holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when all family would gather together – ‘the more the merrier’. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Janet (Jerry) Forker of Benton Harbor and Stacy (Brad) Marosites of Buchanan; grandchildren, Scott (Qiana) Bridwell and Marcy (Brian) Cox; nine great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lynda (Phillip) Connell and Geraldine ‘Geri’ (Paul) Sutherlin; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; and brothers, Daniel and Jim Bedunah.