Dorothy J. Catron, 78, Iola, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy was born June 29, 1937, in Iola, the daughter of Edward “Eddie” Frank and Helen Elizabeth (Sicka) Smith. Her mother died at childbirth and she was raised by her grandparents, John and Hannah Smith, on the family farm east of Piqua. On June 6, 1956, Dorothy married Leon A. Catron at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Piqua. They made their home on their farm southwest of Iola for 55 years, moving to town in 2015. Dorothy was production supervisor for Haldex for 30 years in Iola and also worked on the farm with Leon. She was an avid gardener and passionate about her flowers. Her most precious achievement was her family — husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her memberships include St. John’s Catholic Church and Altar Society in Iola and Dirt Diggers Garden Club. Dorothy was a 30-year cancer survivor and was active in Relay for Life.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Leon Catron; four children, Linda Viola (Mike), Ed Catron (Krystal), Suzanne Catron (Bob Scott) and Patricia Keller (Jeff); 13 grandchildren, Michael Obuchowicz, Christopher (Julie) Catron, Rachel Obuchowicz (Mike Harris), Megan Catron (Tim Carr), Kara Viola, Kayla Manion (Mike Platt), Kyle Manion (Carly Mattox), Andrew Viola, Konnor Manion, Kelcey Manion, Devon Catron, Austin Ames and Haley Ames; and nine great-grandchildren, Keenan Obuchowicz, Ali and Grant Catron, Tristen Platt, Cayden Taylor, Ryker Platt, Harper Carr and Trey and Easton Harris. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana, infant son Steven, great-grandchild, Denton, her parents and grandparents.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. The parish rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Thursday followed by the celebration of the mass at 10:30, both at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association, Iola Senior Center (card players), St. John’s Cemetery or Allen County Hospice and may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence online, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
