Dorothy Damschroder

Dorothy Marshall Damschroder, born in 1938 in Greenwood, South Carolina, passed away on March 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving children. She and her elder sister Peggy Marshall Payne grew up in the Carolinas before moving to Gibsonburg, Ohio, in their teens. There she met Jim Damschroder, who became her husband of 61 years.

After Jim attended Ohio State University and served four years in the United States Air Force, the couple moved their family of four children—Leslie, Jeff, Doug, and Amy—to Overland Park, Kansas, where Jim began his career as a pilot with Trans World Airlines. Dorothy brought boundless energy and creativity to her family and community, serving as a Scout leader, volunteering in schools, and supporting her children’s sporting events.

The family returned to Ohio in 1974, where Dorothy continued to devote herself to her family and their activities. She served on the Woodmore School Board of Education and discovered a passion and talent for pottery. She had a remarkable green thumb and an artistic flair that followed her everywhere. In 1990, Dorothy and Jim purchased Beth Allen Florist, where she shared her botanical skills with the public for nearly 20 years. They remained avid fans of Ohio State football, and Dorothy held onto her season tickets well into her 80s. After Jim’s death in 2017, she enthusiastically took on the responsibility of overseeing the Damschroder family farm in Lindsey.

Dorothy had a deep and enduring love for living things. In addition to nurturing plants and flowers, she welcomed many stray cats and dogs into her home over the years. She was always a supporter of the environment and peace. She will be remembered for her energy, independence, creativity, and devotion to her family.

She is survived by her four children, Leslie (Mathew and Logan Diven), Jeff (Katy Adams) and partner Teresa Summers, Doug and wife Jacki (Alex and Will Steffen, 2024), Amy and husband Joe Cuzzupoli (Camille and Elizabeth), and four great-grandchildren who will carry forward her spirit, strength, and love.