Dorothy E. Rice Goetz Theller

Dorothy E. Rice Goetz Theller, 93, of Tiffin, died the morning of October 20, 2014. She was born February 22, 1921, in Locust Point, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter V. and Alpha I. Rice. Dorothy was married to Karl W. Goetz in 1941 in Tiffin, Ohio, by A.C. Schuman.

With Karl, she had five children. He died Jan. 18, 1965, after 24 years of marriage. Dorothy married Fred E. Theller on June 27, 1970. They were married for 32 years. He died at home July 2, 2002. Their children include Diana (Adrian) Bohl (deceased), Dr. David (Kathleen) Goetz, Karen (Gary) Deighton, Rebecca (Larry) Theller, Heidi (Richard) Martin, Susan (Ned) Moritz (deceased), Larry (Rebecca) Theller, and James (Mary) Theller. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was the world's greatest mom, and her family was her focus.

As a junior in high school in 1938, Dorothy was chosen to be Peach Queen for Ottawa County. She was a 1939 graduate of Salem-Oak Harbor High School. Dorothy started her undergraduate degree in 1964 at age 43. She graduated from Heidelberg University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in education. She taught first grade for 13 years at Washington Elementary School in Tiffin. Dorothy was a member of the Seneca County Retired Teachers Association; Ohio Retired Teachers Association; Kappa Delta Pi; and the Tiffin Chapter of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of St. John's United Church of Christ.

In retirement, Dorothy and Fred spent hours growing flowers and organic vegetables in the gardens around their home. They had one of the first compost piles in town. Fred abandoned his basement worm tub (used to digest garbage) when they married. Dorothy canned and froze many of the vegetables they grew—following a pattern she had established during the second World War. She frequently quoted poetry from memory.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Tiffin. Burial followed at Greenlawn cemetery in Tiffin. The Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin assisted the family with their arrangements.

Memorial contributions my be made in her name to St. John's United Church of Christ or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.engleshookfuneralhome.com.