Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Bishop

With deep affection and gratitude, we remember Dottie Bishop, who leaves a distinctive mark on all she knew. Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Bishop, age 94, passed away on October 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 15, 1932, and raised in Twin Lake, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of William and Sarah (Eckhardt) Sikkenga.

Spending a generous portion of her childhood in and around her esteemed Aunt Dorothy Dalson’s (Eckhardt) ice cream parlor, Dottie was instilled with the perspective there was never truly a bad day for a scoop of ice cream; when you are blue it serves to cheer you up, and when times are good, you should celebrate.

She graduated as a member of the Muskegon High School Class of 1950, going on to complete education in dental nursing. On October 30, 1954, Dottie married the love of her life, Richard W. “Dick” Bishop. Together they built a beautiful family, a welcoming home, a prosperous farm, and shared 31 years of marriage before Dick’s passing in 1986. She is now reunited in faith with her husband, as well as her parents, and her brothers: William Sikkenga Jr., Raymond E. “Moe” (Patricia) Sikkenga, and James L. “Jim” (Kay) Sikkenga.

Tough in ways only a life of this length can measure, Dottie encountered the full breadth of the human experience. Hard times did not make her hard, but rather developed within her a great well resilience, empathy, and kindness. She soaked up, and always squeezed out (for our mutual benefit), the good in life – multiplying it along the way. She most naturally embraced and embodied joy and amusement, regardless of the season she was in. An infinitely clever mind, and sharp wit, equipped her to unlock the literal and figurative puzzles of this life – and to mine vast humor from the ‘everyday’ with relative ease.

Dottie was always quick to share the treasure of laughter with those around her through a joke, or a bit of playful mischief. The stories of her antics are both endless and timeless, and will be retold with the highest regard and delight – producing love and laughter indefinitely. While fun and laughter were abundant, it was undeniably clear these were tools to demonstrate and deliver the love Dottie carried for those she shared them with.

A card game was not about the back and forth or the victor, but who she dealt the hands to. A round of golf was not about the hole-in-one (at Old Channel’s Woods #6), but about whose names were written on the scorecard beside hers. A fun drive was not about the car or the thrill, but who was in the seat beside her. A vacation was not about the sights and activities, but who she was sharing the adventure with. Each of these were richer yet when shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – whom she cherished and adored.

In ways less obvious (in the moment), and sometimes unseen, Dottie was always available to her family and friends in meaningful ways. She was a deeply personal resource of love and wisdom to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A steady presence; constant and unchanging, in an oft turbulent world. If you were fortunate to know Dottie, you will always remember her smile, and her laugh.

Perhaps you were once the knowing, or unwitting, subject of her profuse poetry (fueled by a vocabulary cultivated by years of crosswords and Scrabble). You may recall her behind the wheel of her ’79 VW Beetle convertible (a cherished surprise gift from Dick), headed toward the lake for a round of golf. You will recall the warmth of her hug, her wonderful stories, and the excitement she had to make one with you.

If you were not so fortunate to know Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Bishop, still have a scoop of ice cream – regardless of what season you are in – and know she leaves behind an expansive legacy of love and laughter.

She is survived by her beloved sons: William R. “Bill” (Kay) Bishop, and Joseph E. “Joe” Bishop; her four grandchildren: Carlie R. (Benedict) Bishop-Lewis, Drew J. (Brandi) Bishop, Madison M. “Maddie” Bishop, and Brayden E. “Brady” Bishop; her two great-grandchildren Grayson A. Bishop, and Evelyn E. Bishop; abundant nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many dear friends, young and old.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at St. Peter’s By-The-Lake Episcopal Church, 8435 Old Channel Trail, Montague, MI 49437. A Visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior (10:00 AM), at the church. For those unable to attend in-person, a video stream of the service will be available via the St. Peter’s By-The-Lake Episcopal Church Facebook page.

Memorial Contributions in Dottie’s honor may be directed to St. Peter’s By-The-Lake Episcopal Church.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com