Dorothea J. Michael (Sherman), 85, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, family member, and friend now has perfect healing of mind and body in the arms of Jesus after passing away peacefully following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on February 12, 2025. Known for her passionate devotion to family, nature, gardening, and animals of all kinds, her generosity and compassion will be missed by all who knew her.

Dorothea was born on August 9, 1939 in rural Rockville to the late Justus “Judy” Sherman and Lucille (Hill) Sherman. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Frank “Sonny” Michael, daughters Tanya (Todd) Vandenberg of Danville, IN and Tamara (Mike) Oberholtzer of Lake Barrington, IL; grandchildren Seth Oberholtzer, Justine Vandenberg, and Silas Oberholtzer, numerous loving family members and several lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters Rosalie Smith and Shirley Taylor, and brother Dean Sherman.

“Dorothy” thoroughly enjoyed horses from her youth forward, following in her father’s footsteps, and was an accomplished rider. She graduated from Rockville High School in 1957 and then worked for Bryant Heating in Indianapolis. She frequently returned to Parke County to the farm and her family. Eventually she fell in love with and married Sonny on March 11,1967 and they started a life together on their farm east of Rockville. Dorothy was a stay at home mom who worked to raise her family and assisted Sonny with running the farm. Later in life she also worked at Michael Sales, Case IH dealer in Rockville, and at Raccoon Lake SRA. Their farm was a testament to their love of nature, animals of all kinds, trees, and in particular Dorothy’s love of gardening. Her flowers were famous and she shared these flowers with her family and friends, a lovely testament and loving reminder of one of her passions. Dorothy also never turned away any animal in need of food or a home, and this was reflected by their well populated farm. She was famous for her delicious chocolate sheet cake that was frequently requested. She was practically a professional chauffeur running her girls to numerous school, sporting, church, and 4-H events. She learned how to drive a truck and stock trailer to many small horse shows to enhance her girls’ riding skills and experience. Raising Tanya and “Tammy” on their beloved farm was a fulfilled dream for her. Eventually, she and Sonny welcomed their three grandchildren, celebrating all of their achievements and life milestones with much joy.

Dorothy exuded a warmth and glow about her that encompassed compassion for her family, friends, and all God’s creatures. She was not known to demand attention to herself but often captivated others with her gentle demeanor, warm spirit, and genuine smile. Her smile conveyed a warmth not soon forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the passions of her daughters and grandchildren, the trees and flowers that still flourish by her hand, and in every life that she touched and held dear.

A joyful celebration of her life will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 West Howard Street, Rockville with Pastor Steve Blaydes, Jr. officiating. Visitation is from 1:00pm until 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Gooch Funeral Home. Her ashes will be spread at the farm she dearly loved by her immediate family. Should friends so desire, memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy, IN Chapter 620 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.