Dorothy Ann Morris

Dorothy Ann Morris, age 94, peacefully passed away on December 18, 2024, at the home of her daughter, Jackie, where she had lived the past 8 years. 

Dorothy was born on June 13, 1930, the daughter of Walter and Stella Kania. She was the 8th of 9 children raised on the family’s 80-acre farm in Oak Harbor, OH. After a family move to Toledo, Dorothy graduated from Central Catholic High School. 

While working as a secretary at AP Parts, Dorothy met Jack Morris, a widower with a young daughter, Elissa. They married on October 29, 1955. Four more daughters quickly followed, and Dorothy became a stay-at-home mom. Jack’s job took the family to Dyersburg, TN in 1963, then back to Toledo, OH in 1968 where her son, John, was born. After two more moves, the family settled in Dayton, OH. 

After raising her six children, Dorothy returned to school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked until retirement at Washington Manor Nursing Home in Dayton, OH. Dorothy was a child of the Great Depression. Lessons on the importance of hard work and the value of the dollar guided her life. She maintained an absolutely spotless home, and nothing gave her more pleasure than saving money by finding a great deal. Her grandchildren loved to hear the absolute joy in her voice when she talked of pairing a coupon with a weekly sale to get a box of cereal for free. 

After retirement, Dorothy fell in love with the game of golf. Until age 90, she played regularly, took lessons, and even attended golf camps, always looking to improve her game. Dorothy also loved the challenge of a good crossword puzzle and was never without one by her side. Crossword puzzles kept her mind sharp until the day she died. 

Dorothy is survived by her daughters Elissa (Phil) Wagner, Linda (Rod) Gasvoda, Barbara (Roger) Smith, Jacqueline (Alfred) Lefeld, son John (Christine) Morris, (10) grandchildren and (14) great-grandchildren. Her husband Jack, daughter Nancy (Sonny) Paschall, and eight siblings preceded her in death. 

A Celebration of Life will take place on December 28, 2024, at 11:30 am, with visitation starting at 10:30 am, at Newcomer Centerville Chapel, 820 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459. Interment at David’s Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Rd, Dayton, OH. A Celebration of Life meal will follow at the Gathering Room at David’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The National Cancer Institute, Building 31 Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892. Dorothy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.

To share a memory of Dorothy or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.