Martha (Stanhope) Dickhout

Martha Dickhout, 70, of Boyne City, Michigan suddenly passed to Spirit on May 24th, 2020.  She was the only daughter, sandwiched between two brothers, born to Walt and Marge Stanhope.

In 1994 she married Jack Dickhout, and they began their adventures of living in multiple places before re-settling in Boyne City.  She was the devoted mother of two; Melissa Ross [deceased] and Andrew (Regina) Ross.  Martha’s brokenhearted grandchildren are Dresha, AJ, Gabby, Josh and Jordan Ross as well as Brandon and Jake Ross.  Her great-grandchildren are Justin and Jarius.  She also leaves behind older brother Herb (Karen) Stanhope and many friends that were like an extended family.  She was preceded in death by daughter Melissa, brother Lee, and her parents.

Martha was taken from us too suddenly and too soon, having lived in a way that touched so many others.  Growing up in Boyne City forged deep bonds with many other locals and those connections were revitalized by her return to the area.  She was a respected, dedicated teacher in multiple school districts and in recent years was a substitute teacher at various schools locally, leaving many students who learned and laughed with “Mrs. D.”  Even her work in the lift-ticket office at Boyne Mountain and the gift shop at Castle Farms brought her brightness to others.  Her active presence at Golden Rule Spiritualist Church and Northern Lake Michigan Spiritualist Camp, as well as with the Michigan State Spiritualist Association of Churches will leave a huge void as well.  Her now still knitting needles and the decorations in storage for various family gatherings serve as painful reminders of how much she cared for her family.  We are sustained though, by the knowledge that the hearts of many are heavy right along with ours, because Martha had a gift for elevating the lives of all she knew.

Due to the unique circumstances created by the pandemic, services cannot be arranged at this time.  The family looks forward to being able to gather and share with those whose lives she touched, but will wait until it is considered safer to do so, as that will honor Martha’s practical approach to life.

At this time, donations may be directed to the family in care of Jack Dickhout, 02949 Fall Park Road, Boyne City, Michigan 49712.

Arrangements by Stackus Funeral Home. 

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