Martha Elaine Dorr

Of Jackson, Michigan passed away on October 9, 2024 at the age of 86. She was born December 9, 1937 in Lawton, Michigan to Herman and Martha Wanink. Martha was the middle child of 5, Audrey (Donald) Russeau, Roberta (Timothy) Hastings, Harold (Sandy) Wanink and Dorothy Johnson. She graduated Lawton, Michigan High School and received her nursing degree from Western Michigan University where she met the love of her life, James J Dorr. They were married March 29, 1959 for 65 years. Martha worked at Condell Hospital, Libertyville, IL, Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI and then as a Bus Driver for Western School District, Parma MI. She loved driving bus and for 20 plus years she transported several generations of children. She also enjoyed training new bus drivers but she really loved the annual bus rodeo to show off her skills maneuvering that “rig” with precise accuracy. Thru the years Jim and Martha enjoyed gardening, driving the spectator bus to Western events, cheering for their daughters, Tera and Elizabeth and granddaughter, Alyssa at their sporting events, band concerts and plays. Their retirement years were their most joyous playing with their Granddaughter, Alyssa and sharing their love for RVing around the US with their close friends. They experienced so many adventures always with a good laugh, great meals, desserts and a lot of coffee! Martha is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, James just 7 months ago and daughter, Tera L Dorr. Martha is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Wray, granddaughter, Alyssa Wray (Matt Heath), her Aunt Phyllis Wanink, several sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Martha’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Parma Masonic Temple, (100 W Michigan Ave, Parma, Michigan) from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.