Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Florence Dresh passes away at age 99

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Florence C. Dresh was a gracious woman, sensitive to others, and willing to put others’ needs before her own, expressing appreciation for the smallest kindness.

Her valiant heart at age 99 stopped beating on March 3, 2017. Her guardian angel steadfastly sat at her bedside. The devoted staff of Life Care Center of Valparaiso as well as the compassionate caregivers of the Dunes Hospice eased Florence’s journey as she prepared to dance through Heaven’s portals.

Florence was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 1917, but spent her childhood in Chicago, Illinois. She and her twin sister “Wizz” supported the family by traveling and performing a vaudeville act. Florence appeared on many stages, yet the applause she cherished most came from her husband and children. She met the love of her life, Walter C. Dresh, after closing her dance school in California and returning to Chicago to care for her ailing mother. They married in December of 1945 and chose to raise a family in Porter County, Indiana. Florence faced every challenge with faith and fortitude. Whether she worked side by side with her husband in his optical business, or excelled as a nanny for a family with four children, or studied to acquire a high school diploma at age seventy-one, or resumed her passion for teaching dance and exercise, she responded to life with unwavering humor and humility.

Florence was the last surviving member of her nuclear family. Ending life’s journey before her were her parents, Clyde and Rose (Budd) Lytle; her siblings Wilfred Lytle, Wilhelmina Lytle, James Lytle, Elizabeth Waddle, and John Lytle; her uncle, Norman Budd; her nephews Brian Lytle, Reagan Lytle, and faithful partner in the art of letter writing, Tommy Budd Lytle. Her beloved husband, Walter, went home to Heaven in March of 1979.

Yearning for her touch but carrying the flame of her effervescence in their hearts are her children: John (Donna) Dresh, Sr., of Bridgman, Mich., Maureen Lee Dresh of Porter, Ind., Donna (Ron) Welsh of Niles, Mich., and Elizabeth Dresh of Porter, Ind. The grandchildren who prompted intense pride are: John (Jo) Dresh, Jr., Debbie (Rob) Dickert, Bob (Kathy) Bergstrom, Ron (Kristi) Bergstrom, Brandy (Bob) DeYoung, Michael Lechien, Jessica (Dave) O’Connor, Heather (Charlie) Brown, and Tim (Sarah) Welsh. Florence was blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Florence delighted in reaching out to many nephews and nieces.

Florence’s faith in her Lord Jesus Christ infused her daily walk. She prayed, worshipped, and studied the Bible, always looking forward to fellowship at Liberty Bible Church. Her life verse was 2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” Florence’s commitment to fitness belied any stereotype of a senior citizen as a couch potato. At age ninety-four, Florence instructed her YMCA exercise class just days before undergoing the surgery that eclipsed her mobility and independence. Florence’s encouragement to her family and friends was boundless. Her family will forever “love her the mostest.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383

A celebration of life service for Florence will take place at a later date with details and invitations forthcoming.

 

 

Posted 3/9/3017

 
 
 
 

 

 

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