Dorothea M. Seat (Fulton-Krutsch), 92, passed away peacefully August 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater with Rev. Fr. Dan Hyman officiating.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 5:00-8:00 p.m., with the rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Dotty was devoutly Catholic and was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Coldwater where she attended weekly Mass. Her faith was a guiding light in her life and a source of strength and comfort during her battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born on January 8, 1933, in Wyandotte, Michigan, where she grew up and graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in 1951. A proud athlete, she played high school basketball and twice earned her varsity letter.
In 1953, she married Dr. Robert Krutsch, of Wyandotte, and in 1957 moved to Coldwater, Michigan where they built a prosperous life and raised four children.
Dotty possessed a gift for design and color. For decades, she served as an interior design consultant, where her creative visions were often showcased in numerous homes for Sherwin Williams and home builders alike.
Dotty volunteered as a member of the Calhoun County mounted Sheriff’s Posse and was proudly deputized, embodying her adventurous spirit. She co-created the Coldwater Community Garden and devoted her time and expertise to its growth. As an Advanced Master Gardener, she helped cultivate thousands of pounds of fresh food annually for the Branch County Food Pantry.
When living her best life, one of Dotty’s favorite pastimes was trail riding with her weekly riding group at Windy Hill Equestrian Center. The joy of exploring the trails on horseback, surrounded by friends who shared her passion, brought her immense happiness. These outings were followed by lunch with the group.
Dotty had a deep love for the outdoors and embraced nature in all aspects of her life. She loved horses, mucking stalls, and competing in horse shows, and for many years, owned and operated a tack shop. Her love of animals extended to her many cats and dogs, who were a constant source of joy. Growing up, she shared a special bond with her father as they hunted bear and deer together, fostering her lifelong love of adventure.
A woman with a pioneer’s heart, Dotty often said she was born 100 years too late. Her admiration for the Old West and its spirit was evident in her devotion to her favorite television show Gunsmoke, which she watched faithfully every day until her passing.
Above all, Dotty cherished time spent with her family. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and a zest for life that will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Dotty was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and June Fulton, her brother, Lloyd Fulton, her son, Mark Robert Krutsch, and her grandson, John Matthew Krutsch.
She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Starley (Daniel Parish) of Houston, Texas, Sharry Krutsch of Dallas, Texas, and her son, Dr. Matthew (Karen) Krutsch of Coldwater, Michigan; her grandsons, Michael Krutsch, Adam Krutsch and Jacob Krutsch, and great-grandson, Zain Krutsch.
Memorials may be directed to the John Matthew Krutsch Memorial Endowment for Hillsdale Academy.
Comments