.Dorothy Ahbe Grice, granddaughter of early Des Plaines pioneer settlers, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. She was born on Oct. 17, 1915, in the home on Thacker Street that her father built in 1898 and, other than traveling with her husband, William G. Grice Jr., during World War II, resided there her entire life. Dorothy attended the old Central School and the old North School in Des Plaines, and was a member of the first class to attend all four years at Maine Township High School, now Maine East. Although a housewife, mother and homemaker for the majority of her years, Dorothy did work for a time at Burchard's Cleaner as a store clerk and later as a switchboard operator and receptionist at DoAll Company on Thacker Street. Along with her husband, Dorothy was a 41+ year volunteer at Lutheran General Hospital, among the first members of the Des Plaines Camera Club, a member of the Des Plaines Woman's Club, and the longest-term member of the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, where she had sung in the Chancel Choir for 27 consecutive years. Early in life, Dorothy rode horses and was an avid tennis player. Throughout her life she enjoyed music and played both the piano and organ. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 70 years, William G. Grice Jr.; her son, the Rev. Dr. William G. (Ann) Grice III; four grandsons, plus four great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the G. L. Hills Funeral Home, Des Plaines. Services will be held at the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Des Plaines on Friday, Sept. 16, with interment following in the Town of Maine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center, the Des Plaines History Center, or Ronald McDonald House Charities.
(Maine East Alumni.org)