Dorothy Jean Cushing - Van Meter

Dorothy Jean (Switzer) Cushing, 91, passed away July 7, 2014 at UnityPoint - Methodist West Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Van Meter United Methodist Church with interment at Van Meter Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel where family will be present from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Dorothy was born September 12, 1922 to Floyd and Garnet (Mullins) Switzer in Des Moines. She graduated from Van Meter High School in 1940. Dorothy married James B. Cushing on May 25, 1945 and they were together forever - 60 years. Dorothy, a retired homemaker, devoted wife and mother, was a patriotic member of the Greatest Generation. During the war years she worked at the Van Meter Post Office. She enjoyed 10 years as an Associate at Von Maur. Dorothy was a member of the Van Meter United Methodist Church and a charter member of Van Meter American Legion Auxiliary. She was involved with the Bob Feller Homecomings; Van Meter Centennial, Bi-Centennial, and Quasqui-Centennial Celebrations. She served on the Madison and Dallas County Election Boards. Dorothy volunteered 7500 hours to UnityPoint - Methodist and Blank Hospitals. Dorothy enjoyed piecing quilts, embroidery, ballroom dancing with James, and trips to Branson, MO before experiencing the devastating effects of Macular Degeneration. Her favorite pass times were listening to biographies and big band music. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband James (2005), and son-in-law Ed (2012). She is survived by daughter Jean Willard of Des Moines and son Jimmy of West Des Moines; granddaughter Christen (Mike) Thalman and great grandsons Jonathan and Aaron Norris; granddaughter Diane (Bob) Kenny and great grandsons Jack, Nicholas, and Luke plus several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorials may be given to the Van Meter United Methodist Church, Spurgeon Manor - Dallas Center, IA; UnityPoint at Home - Des Moines, or the Iowa Department for the Blind-Readers' Library Fund. Online Condolences can be left on this site. Service: 10:30 AM Thursday July 10, 2014 Van Meter United Methodist Church Van Meter, Iowa Visitation: Friends may call after 2 PM Wednesday, July 9 and family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:30 PM McCalley Funeral Home Adel, Iowa