Dorothy louise Backus

Dorothy Louise Backus (nee Freehling) of Stuart, FL, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, the 1st of October 2016. She was born Mar 8, 1928 to the late George and Katherine (Busick) Freehling in Buchanan, MI. She married Richard Backus on March 2, 1946, and began her married life as a farmer’s wife in Baroda, MI. She and Richard moved to Ft. Pierce, FL in 1972 where they owned the Oceanaire Lodge. They retired in 1990 and moved to Stuart in 2000. She is survived by her four children, Sharon Rosecrans, Stuart, FL, Marilyn Patterson (Jim), Hobe Sound, FL, Richard Backus Jr. (Beth), Huntington Beach, CA, Linda Rufo (Barry), Stuart, FL, grandson William Backus, Huntington Beach, CA and brother Harold Freehling, Baroda, MI. She was predeceased in death by her husband Richard, her parents, her brother Henry Freehling and sister Marie Clark.

Dorothy loved her Savior and her church. She was raised a Lutheran, and when she was 12 years old, she was confirmed in both English and German at Trinity Lutheran Church in Glendora, MI, where she was a member until she moved to Florida. Throughout the years, she was very active in the church: teaching Sunday School and being a member of the Ladies League. She and Richard were charter members of Christ Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie, FL in 1984 and remained members until their deaths.

Dorothy also loved people. She always had a welcoming smile on her face and tried to help people whenever she could. She loved the outdoors, gardening, her flowers, nature, and all the creatures of the earth. Next to her love of God, her love for her husband and family brought her the most joy. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be missed more than words can say.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 1592 SE Floresta Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983 or Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997.

Funeral arrangements were made by Aycock Funeral Home in Stuart, FL. A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Ft. Pierce, FL on Monday, October 3rd at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Matthew Luttman.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.aycockfuneral home.net.