Dorothy Marie Deal

Dorothy Marie Deal, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Fairborn, Ohio. Born on February 24, 1937, in Hamilton, Ohio, Dorothy lived a life marked by kindness, love, and a spirit that was both fiercely stubborn and wonderfully humorous. She embodied a personality you couldn’t help but admire—whether you knew her for her generosity or recognized it the moment she was mad.

A proud graduate of Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio, Class of 1956, Dorothy brought dedication and care to everything she did. Her career as a key puncher at General Electric spoke to her attention to detail and commitment to her work. Yet, her proudest accomplishments were always deeply personal—centered around her family, especially her cherished grandchildren.

Dorothy’s home was filled with warmth and laughter, often scented with the aroma of freshly baked cheesecakes, a beloved specialty she lovingly prepared for her family. Her interests were as vibrant as her personality; she found joy in reading, watching classic movies, and nurturing her fascinating coin collection. Moreover, her love for nature was evident in her passion for birdwatching and tending to flowers, pursuits that brought her peace and happiness throughout her life.

The bond Dorothy shared with her family was extraordinary and enduring. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Nina (Jeff) Trimble, Sonia (Kevin) Roth, and Claudette (Charles) Casey. Her grandchildren—Catheryn, Chris, Kristina (Mark), Leah, Katie, Nichole (Stephen), Amanda (Luke), Kevin (Jessica), Derek, Jenna (Jake), Sam, Logan, and Isobel—were a continual source of pride and joy for her. This magnificent legacy continues through her great-grandchildren Kori, Samantha, Brayden, Cary, Robin, Emily, Arabella, April, Paige, Kelly, and Blayne, and her great-great-granddaughter Valora, who carried forward the light Dorothy so dearly nurtured. She also leaves behind her dear brother Paul (Kathy) Cotton, daughters in law Tammy Deal and Lauren Deal, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and friends who felt blessed by her presence.

Dorothy’s life was also marked by sorrowful farewells. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Theodore and Ajgie Cotton; her sons, Jimmie Deal, Raymond Deal, and Douglas Deal; her grandson, Scott Melton; and her great-grandson, Sean M. O’Hara. She also mourned the loss of her siblings—Earl Cotton, Albert Cotton, Ruth McLaughlin, and Thelma Lenhoff—who now rest beside her in memory.

Through every chapter of her life, Dorothy Marie Deal remained a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and kindness. Those who knew her carry forward the gift of her humor, her strength, and her unwavering devotion. Her legacy is one of warmth and resilience, a gentle reminder of the profound impact one life can have on many.

As we honor Dorothy’s memory, we hold close the countless ways she touched our lives—through every laugh shared, every cheesecake baked, and every flower tended to with care. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.