Dorothy Mae McGaha

Dorothy Mae "Dotty" McGaha, 83, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024 surrounded by her children. Loving mother of Yvonne (Darrick Kibble) Nelson, Patrick (Katie) McGaha, Kathleen (Teresa Runner) McGaha and Brian (Cheryl) McGaha, adored grandmother of Jordan Nelson, Kayla Nelson, Ashley (Jake) Miller, Maureen (Alex) Kluchki, Meg McGaha, Trent McGaha, Rowan McGaha, Adrienne McGaha and Caroline McGaha, cherished great grandmother of Bryn Miller, Vivian Miller, Aubrey Miller, Augustus Kluchki and Aurora Dew and beloved sister of Lawrence (Judy) Mulkerin and Angela (Neil) Christy. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and her adored grandpups Romeo, Toby, Marshall, Bailey and Jaxson.

Dotty was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Clarence "Mac" McGaha and parents Lawrence and Dorothy Mulkerin.

Dotty was born in Swissvale, PA in 1941, where her dad was the local Fire Chief. She was very proud that she graduated high school as the class valedictorian and also enjoyed her time as a drummer in the band. She attended University of Pittsburgh and then went on to Wright State University where she received her Master's degree. 

In 1965 the family moved to Hawaii where she met Mac, the love of her life. Together they started a family and eventually set down permanent roots in Dayton, Ohio. 

Dotty enjoyed decorating cakes, cooking, singing, dancing, playing cards, doing puzzles and watching hummingbirds in her garden out front. She also loved watching her game shows and they were often on in the house when family came over. She enjoyed watching sports, especially the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. Her favorite time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Public visitation at Ascension Catholic Church (2025 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420 ) on Friday July 19, 2024  at 9:30 am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am.  Dotty will be laid next to her husband at Heritage Hill Memorial Garden. In lieu of of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.