Waneta Ruth (Klein) Dorrance

Waneta  R. Dorrance, 89, of Fowlerville, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2018 at The Willows in Howell.

Waneta, also known as “Toots”, was born in Conway Township on February 26, 1927 to Harold and Ruth (Antcliff) Klein. Waneta graduated from Fowlerville HS in 1947 and worked at the Byerly grocery store where she met Howard Dorrance.  The couple were married in June, 1948.  In the early years, Waneta worked at Citizens Insurance Company in Howell until becoming a mother.  Waneta and Howard also farmed for a few years before purchasing Miner’s grocery store in 1968. The couple owned Howard’s Market (now SaveOn Family Foods), until March, 1985. 

Waneta LOVED to cook!  In 1985, the former Snack Shop became Waneta’s Diner, where popular offerings of Friday Night Cod dinners, plate-size pancakes and homemade pies were served for five years.  After selling the restaurant, Waneta continued to cook for the community by catering many weddings, graduation parties, and other special occasions, with her famous potato salad always a top request.  She also cooked for the weekly Rotary Club luncheon for several years. 

Being a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Fowlerville, Waneta was an active member of the UMW group, where again, she offered her cooking skills for the annual Turkey Supper, Mother/Daughter Banquet, funeral luncheons and other church functions.

Waneta also volunteered for the Historical Society, worked at the Fowlerville Fair most years, and overall always played an active role in service to the community.  She and husband Howard were honored as Grand Marshals in the Christmas in the Ville parade in 2009.

In her spare time, Waneta also enjoyed sewing, making over one hundred quilts and blankets for friends, family, raffles and other donations for the needy and homebound.  She enjoyed reading, going to Monday coffee at McDonald’s with her friends, and certainly spending time with her family.

Survivors include daughter Nanci (Calvin) Forster, of Fowlerville, grandson Evan (Shayna) Forster, of Byron, granddaughters Jessica Schliska, of Owosso, Nicole Spicer of Jackson, KY, and five great-granddaughters.  Also surviving are sister Lucille (Jack) Sherwood, of Fowlerville, and brother Merlan Klein of Zephyrhills, FL, step-brothers Richard (Kate) Rudnicki, Jim (Dixie) Rudnicki,, and step-sisters Kathryn Sovie, Judy (Dennis) Haskell and Linda (Al) Sliwinski.  Waneta was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Howard Dorrancein 2011, son Kenneth Dorrance, and brother Don (Ruth) Klein and step sister Doris (Gordon) Masterson.

Arrangements by Herrmann’s Funeral Home in Fowlerville.Visitation Sunday, March 11 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the funeral home and again Monday, March 12 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church of Fowlerville, with services immediately following.  Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville, with a luncheon served at the church after. 

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