Dorothy Jane Stelts

Poland - Dorothy Jane Stelts, age 94, of Poland, formerly of Leetonia, died on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Hospice House, Boardman.

She was born on December 11, 1926, in Chester, WV. She was the daughter of the late Herbert and Nettie Gaughn Buckley.

Her husband, James Edwin Stelts, whom she married on March 2, 1956, preceded her in death on December 28, 2012.

Dorothy is survived by her three sons, Thomas E. (Tanya) Stelts of Cleveland, David C. (Carol) Stelts of Enon Valley, PA, Richard D. Stelts of Leetonia; three grandchildren, Matthew (Angela) Stelts of Cleveland, Kaitlyn (Paul) Noble of Cleveland, and Nathan Stelts (Lexi Ledbetter) of Columbus; and great grandchildren, James, Samuel, Charles and Sophia, all of Cleveland. There was nothing any more important to Dorothy than the love she had for her family.

She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Max Buckley.

She was a 1944 graduate of Chester High School where she was a county spelling bee champion. She completed secretarial school and went on to serve as a legal secretary. She later worked with Kelly Girls where she was offered a full-time position as church secretary with the First United Methodist Church in Columbiana, OH, retiring after 17 years. During that time, she earned an associate’s degree from Kent State University Salem Branch. Upon retirement, she managed her son’s business, Swan Lake Photography, for 20 years.

Dorothy was active in local political campaigns while serving as precinct committee chairperson in Salem Township for the Republican Party. She also volunteered at Salem Community Hospital and in the late 1950’s to early 1960‘s was a member of Our Community Club, a Leetonia-based group of women who quilted and provided support for local families.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 10 to 11 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Leetonia, OH.

A memorial service will be held Saturday beginning at 11 AM with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.

Burial will immediately follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leetonia, OH and Meals on Wheels.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com