Age 82, died Monday, June 11, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 20, 1930 in Passaic, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph and Stella (Ferminick) Haider. She married William Van Riper on November 19, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey.
Bill and Dottie met after a basketball game while Bill was in the Army Air Force, stationed at Ft. Monmouth in New Jersey. Dottie then joined the USO to see more of Bill.
Dottie was a 4 H leader in the Blue Ribbon Florist Club. She was also a teacher and superintendent of Sunday School at First Congregational Church. They now attend Faith Baptist Church. Dottie volunteered at Faith in Action and was the orchestrator of the " Belles & Bonnetts" for Chelsea Sesquicentennial. The Van Riper farm was named " Dottie-O-Dairy Ranch" in her honor. She taught her family how to live a rich life filled with music and laughter. Dottie was a fun mother who gave total unconditional love. She ran the "Kool-aid" house where everyone was welcome. You could miss any holiday, but not Christmas eve, which was very important to her, she enjoyed having the children preform skits and showcase their talents. She played piano by ear and encouraged her children to learn to play an instrument.
Survivors include her husband, Bill and 7 children, Linda (Gary) White of Munith, Becky (Steve) Schultz of Ann Arbor, Jeff (Bridgette) Van Riper of Chelsea, Cindy (Dennis) Fischhaber of Chelsea, Billy (Patti) Van Riper of Chelsea, Gina ( Kyle Corser) Van Riper of Unadilla, and Michael (Lisa) Van Riper of Chelsea. Dottie is also survived by her 16 grandchildren; Colt White, Kori Munson, Dusty White, Angie White, Nikki Quillen, Eric Van Riper, Zachery Powers, DJ Fischhaber, Tyler Fischhaber, Jake Fischhaber, Toni Chevrette, Tara Van Riper, Taylor Van Riper, Gage Van Riper, Bria Van Riper, Jada Van Riper, and 14 great-grandchildren. Dottie is survived by a brother Joseph (Jackie) Haider of FL and two sisters; Irene Preziosi and Joanie Ferguson both of NJ. Dottie was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ray Preziosi.
A memorial service was held Thursday, June 21, 11:00am at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Road Chelsea, MI 48118 with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. The family wants to extend their gracious gratitude to the staff of Arbor Hospice, and donations can be given to Arbor Hospice, Faith in Action, or Faith Baptist Church. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.