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.