Dolores Elnora Hann Derr, age 98, of Ashville, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 12, 2026. Born on July 5, 1927, in Pataskala, Ohio, to Fern and Curtis Hann, she spent her life nurturing animals, the land, and above all her family. Her quiet strength and deep faith left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Dee graduated from Hamilton High School in Obetz, Ohio. She began her working life at the Obetz Coal and Grain store and in 1949 married Alva T. Derr. Together they settled in Ashville, where they operated a grain and dairy farm while raising their five children. Dee later worked as a cook at Teays Valley High School in the late 1960s. After Alva’s death, she and her children continued to manage the dairy farm, facing challenges with courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. She later worked at the Obetz Auto Auction until 1995. In her later years she took great joy in attending sporting events, recitals, and 4-H shows for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dee was actively involved with the Women of the Church, the Dorcas Circle, and the church choir. She remained a daily student of her devotions and was known for her compassionate spirit.
She was preceded in death by her husband Alva, her parents, brothers Edwin and Melvin (Sam) Hann and their wives Edith and Imogene, and brother-in-law Paul Ranft. She is survived by her children Jeffrey (Kim) Derr, Janet (Chris) Schein, Julie (Robert) Good, Jay (Leslie) Derr, and Jack (Becky) Derr; her sister Geneva Ranft; sister-in-law Carolyn Miller; grandchildren Blake Derr, Heather Daum, Andrea (Mike) Williams, Lucas (Shannon) Helser, Adam (Terra) Helser, Brooke (Ryan) Grashel, Aaron (Nicole) Derr, Alexandria (Aaron) Fielder, and Jenna Derr; step-grandchildren Heith (Pam) Good, Justin (Christine) Good, and Chris (Cassidy) Good; and 26 great-grandchildren.
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