Sophie DeWitt

Sophie DeWitt, 93 of Alden, died peacefully Monday, March 3, 2014, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

She was born April 29, 1920 in Chicago the daughter of James and Stella Marchuk. On October 19, 1946 she married Fred DeWitt and moved north to Alden where they made their home for the last 65 years.

Together they owned and operated several businesses throughout the area. They began their journey together at DeWitt’s Pleasant Harbor Resort (Mico’s) from 1946 to 1959 and the DeWitt Marine from 1959 to 1978. They also built and owned Northaire Resort on Clam Lake from 1949 to 1979. From 1978 to 1989 they owned and operated Mancelona Metal Products. In the winters when the lodge and marina were closed, they headed to Chicago to work. Sophie was the proud bookkeeper at Butch’s Tackle and Marine until the age of 90.

Animals were Sophie’s passion. She took them in, she fed them and supported many causes concerning them

Sophie is survived by her loving nieces and nephews Butch (Liz) Bartz and Linda (Harold) Hoogerhyde both of Bellaire, Nancy (Russell) Duke and Herb (Valerie) Helstrom both of Chicago, Kathleen (Dave) Chandler of Grandledge, Guy (Shirley) DeWitt of Bellaire, Gloria Ranger of Florida, Doris (Bruce) Griffin of Wyoming and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and nephew Harvey Dinger Jr. and niece Patty Lockhard.

Funeral services will be held Sun. March 16, 2014 at 3 p.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church with Pastor Tim Manzer officiating. The family will receive friends Sat. March 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial donations may be directed to the Commission on Aging, PO BOX 614, Bellaire, MI, 49615, AC Paws, PO BOX 94, Acme, MI 49610, or With a Little Help From My Friends, 3829 Ritt Rd., Bellaire, MI 49615. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.