Dorthea May Tallman
On October 11, 2024, our Lord and Savior called a truly wonderful soul home. Dorthea May Tallman, or Mrs. T to her many students, 87, of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully, joining her beloved husband, John, who predeceased her after 55 years of marriage, and her son Scott, who left this world at a young age. While her passing leaves a space in our hearts, we are filled with gratitude and joy as we remember a life well-lived, bursting with laughter, love, wisdom, and if you knew her, a stubborn attitude that knew no bounds.
Dotty is survived by her children, Jeff (Kellie) Tallman and Jayne (Duane) DeMuth; grandchildren, Adam (Marysa) Fisher, Victoria DeMuth, and Gabriella DeMuth; great-grandchildren, Melody and Maverick Fisher; as well as her beloved nieces and nephews, Rick (Lee) Epler, Erika (Forrest) James, Mike (Angie) Epler, and Debbie Epler. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert; nephews Robert and Paul; and many dogs who she also considered family.
Dorthea was born on February 28, 1937, to Virgil and Ida Epler, in Alma, Michigan, where she also attended college. Mrs. T quickly found her passion for teaching special education and never looked back. She spent nearly 50 years in the classroom, inspiring thousands of students within the Charlotte Public School System. She also spent many years teaching within the Eaton County Correctional Facility, helping children get their life back on track. Her students will remember her caring nature, quick wit, and dedication to their educational success. After her years of teaching, she ran into students wherever she went, even meeting one who was an Elvis impersonator at a show in Branson, Missouri.
Beyond the classroom, Dorthea was known for her ability to complete a word search book faster than Amazon Prime could deliver the next one, her love of animals of all variety, and her ability to cut the grass with paper sheers. She was known best however, for her love of friends and family, whom she cherished beyond words. For this author, she’ll be best remembered for her title of Grandmother, a role she was better at than anything else, and he considers himself beyond blessed for the role she played in his life.
A celebration of her life was held on Thursday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was Wednesday, October 16, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. All were welcome to come as they are, with stories, memories, and willingness to complete a word search in her honor. Instead of flowers, Mrs. T’s family requested that you consider donating to the Capital Area Humane Society, a cause close to her heart. The family would also like to extend a profound thank you to the care team at Hathaway Hills of Greenville, for their excellent care and support of Dotty over the last several months.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. Friends and family are also welcome to share memories of Dorthea on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.
Though Dorthea has moved on to her next great adventure, her vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. We find peace in knowing that she’s finally reunited with her husband and son for an eternity. Rest easy Mom and Grandma and thank you for making our world a lot brighter.