Dorothy Bessie Dearborn
Dorothy Bessie Dearborn, 59, of Grand Valley passed away Tuesday morning March 10, 2009.
was called home to be at peace with God and her horses that went before her. She changed the lives of so many that knew and loved her. She dedicated her heart and soul to fulfilling God's call for her life through her love of horses and teaching the campers of the United Methodist Church. A strong inspirational woman, she held the admiration of many. In 1969, she founded the Progressive Horsemanship Program to teach children and adults of all ages the joy of riding horses and ponies. She designed her unique program to safely bring joy, satisfaction and self confidence to anyone that stepped through her barn doors and was privileged to set atop one of her beloved horses. She wrote, illustrated, and had published all her own teaching books detailed for each level of experience in her program. Through Dorothy's faith, dedication, hard work and perseverance, the Progressive Horsemanship Program changed lives. Dorothy had a gift. She had the insight to match a rider to a horse that was perfect for them. It didn't matter your confidence or skill level, she would ease your fears and make you feel at home. Not one person walked into her life without feeling Dorothy's impact on their own. Whether it be through her wisdomly words of wanted or unwanted advice, a shoulder to lean on, or a partner for a peaceful trail ride through God's creation. If it was in her power, she would move the earth to get it done. Dorothy taught us many lessons while she was with us and without a doubt we will be hearing her voice and finally understanding some of those lessons for years to come. She is survived at home by her husband, Tom Dearborn; a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Kristi Eck, Grand Valley and two grandsons, Justin and Konnor whom she loved with her whole heart. Also surviving are one sister, Esther (Bill) Ingram; two brothers Edward (Mabel) Dickey and Ronald Dickey, many nieces and nephews and of course, her 71 horses and ponies. Her memory will live on through the lives of her grandsons and the continuation of her Progressive Horsemanship Program by her son, Mike, husband, Tom and her family. In remembrance of Dorothy's love for her horses and her beloved riding program, memorial donations can be made to Dorothy Dearborn's memorial fund at Wesley Woods Horse Program, 10001 Fiddlersgreen Road, Grand Valley, PA 16420 Friends will be received at McKinney Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc. in Youngsville from 2 - 4:30 p.m. on Friday followed by a service at 5 p.m. with Rev. Marcus Briggs officiating. Family and friends may sign the on-line guestbook or send an e-condolence at www.mckinneyfuneral.com Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
Published in the Erie Times-News on 3/12/2009,

McKinney Funeral Homes ,
United Methodist Church.