Dorothy Dettrow

Dorothy Dettrow, 74, of Van Wert passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 02, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

She was born on February 18, 1947, in Hindman, KY, to the late Joe and Gertie (Beverly) Smith. On June 29, 1963, she married Merle Dettrow in LaGrange, IN. Together, they came to Van Wert in 1963 where she eventually retired from Teleflex after many years. Her goal was always to be a mother with a large family, which she accomplished in spades.

Dorothy was a simple lady who enjoyed going out to eat, shopping at Walmart and always looking for a bargain. There was never a garage sale that she would not stop at.

Dorothy enjoyed babysitting the grandchildren, spending time with her family and attending the many activities that her grandchildren were involved with.

She is survived by her husband, Merle Dettrow, of Van Wert; sons: Norm (Deb) Dettrow; Jim (Trish) Dettrow, both of Van Wert; Jason Dettrow-Burns of Convoy; brothers: Truman (Charlene) Smith of LaGrange, IN; Gary Smith of Convoy; Roy (Patricia) Smith of LaGrange, IN; Larry (Arlene) Smith of LaGrange, IN; sister, Meletha Fields of Hazard, KY; sister-in-law, Shirley Smith of Sturgis, MI; grandchildren: Stacie (Matt) Couch, Brad Dettrow, Chloe Dettrow, Courtney (Cory) Ramsey, Emily Dettrow, Abbey Dettrow, Chase Dettrow, Trey Dettrow, Griffin Dettrow, Jordan (Rachael) Dettrow, Rachel (Dylan) Williams, Megan Dettrow; great grandchildren: Madison, Landen, & Kenzie Couch; Locklen Yenser; Mylee and Maverick Dettrow; Baylen, Bryson & Bowynn Ramsey; Josie Dettrow; Liam, Lexi and Lila Williams; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Joe Dettrow; and brothers: Thurman, Sherman and Aaron Smith.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Phillips, officiating. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 3 to 6 PM on Thursday, October 07, 2021 and from 12 to 1 PM Friday, October 08, 2021 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home.

Flower and memorial keepsake orders may be directed to her son's floral shop, The Secret Garden in Convoy. For those who desire, memorial contributions in Dorothy`s memory may be sent to the family for the purchase of a monument.

To share in Dorothy's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.