D. Elaine Barthel

Dorris Elaine Barthel, 96, of Fort Gratiot, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

She was born March 24, 1928 in Port Huron to the late Jasper Levi and Velma Elaine Cooper (née Blair). She married Emil Barthel on July 2, 1949 in Port Huron. He preceded her in death on April 23, 2015 after 65 years of marriage.

Known by family and friends as Elaine, she graduated from Port Huron High School in January 1946 and attended Port Huron Junior College. Elaine was employed by the Detroit Edison (where she met Emil), Griswold Street Baptist Church, Prestolite, and North American Benefit Association.

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hazel Park, Caro Baptist Church, as well as Griswold Street Baptist Church and Colonial Woods Missionary Church, both in Port Huron. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School classes, and led women’s Bible studies groups.

Elaine helped organize many reunions of her graduating class and planned numerous family vacations, birthday celebrations, and Christmas holidays. She capably wrangled five children and assorted pets through household moves to Royal Oak, Southfield, Caro, and Port Huron. She enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, knitting, playing Scrabble, music, Sunday lunch outings, and staying in touch with friends via phone calls and letters.

When Emil required orthopedic surgery, she learned about how non-local families needed lodging while their loved ones were hospitalized, so she established a Hospitality House. Some guests remained in contact long after their stays. Together, she and Emil travelled the world, spending the winters in Clearwater, Florida, and making friends and memories in Europe, California, Hawaii, Canada, and Alaska. Elaine joined Emil, an avid Michigan football fan, for many games at the Big House; while her favorite part was the marching band, she was thrilled with the National Championship victory in 2024.

Elaine is survived by her children, Douglas Emil (Marianne) Barthel of Metamora, Michigan, David Cooper Barthel of Gulfport, Florida, Rebecca Elaine Barthel of San Jose, California, Kathleen Ann (Michael) Hindes of San Marcos, Texas, and Daniel Paul Barthel of Port Huron, Michigan; grandchildren, Nicholas (Kayla), Claudia, Harrison (Sara), Jason (Erin), Wade (Vivian), Alexander, Tyler (Michaela), and Kathleen (Jessey); great-grandchildren, Jackson, Nathan, Sophia, Arbor, Emma, Emil, Rio, Levi, Andrew, and Autumn; and niece, Donna Cooper Dennis. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Cooper; daughter-in-law, Karen Barthel (née O’Dell); and granddaughter, Gina Barthel.

The family wishes to express appreciation for the faithful friendship of Bob and Linda Barnes and Debby Morgan, as well as the support and care provided by Dr. John Jarad, the staff and community at Sanctuary Mercy Village, and the teams at Beacon Home Care, Lakeshore Woods and McLaren Hospice.

A memorial event to honor Elaine’s life is planned for June 2025 at Lakeside Park. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Gideons International. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com