Dorothy Smallegan, of Zeeland, passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 92. She lived a full life!
Dorothy was an exceptional hostess who blessed many with her gift of cooking and baking. Delicious food and pretty presentation were things she took care to do for those who gathered around her table. While there were plenty of favorites, she will be remembered by many for her chocolate chip cookies!
Dorothy was not only good at using her hands in the kitchen, she was also crafty. What started as a skill in mending and making clothes turned into a love of quilting that she enjoyed for many years. More than a hobby, she used her talent to bless others through the Living Threads Ministry.
In her years raising a family and helping with the family business, Smallegan Wholesale Meats, Dorothy invested in her community and many dear friends in Forest Grove. Faith was also important to Dorothy as she was always involved in the churches in the areas where she lived: Forest Grove Reformed, Heritage Reformed in Hudsonville, and First Reformed in Zeeland.
Although she lived her entire life in West Michigan, Dorothy had an adventurous spirit and love of travel. Some of her adventures included snowmobiling with friends, accompanying her husband and sons on family golf trips, exploring national parks, and flying halfway around the world to experience other countries and cultures.
At the end of the day though, if you asked her, Dorothy most loved time with her precious family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Smallegan (1992) and son, Steven Smallegan (2025). Dorothy is survived by her son David (Shannon) Smallegan of Arizona and daughter-in-law Brenda Smallegan of Zeeland. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Laura (Nate) Hinkle, Hannah (Jon) Haeffele, Lydia (Andrew) Loveland, Maria (Owen) Brookhouse, Vicki Smallegan, and Craig (Katie) Smallegan. Adding to her delight were 8 great-grandchildren: Ezra, Jeremiah, Noah, and Theodore Hinkle; Naomi and Ellis Haeffele; Reuben and Johanna Smallegan.
A memorial service is planned for 2:00pm Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S State St., Zeeland. Following the service, a time of visitation and reception is scheduled from 3:00-4:00pm. Burial will be in Forest Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Living Threads Ministry, 100 Pine St #145, Zeeland, MI 49464.
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