Dorothy H. Best

The youngest of four daughters, Dorothy (Dot) Hudson Best, was born December 6, 1931, in

Homestead Park, PA, to parents from England and Ireland who came to the United States through Ellis Island. She passed away on December 31, 2024, at the age of 93 in memory care in Toledo, OH.

Dot enjoyed a robust life of family, career, and service. Her bond with her sisters was steadfast, and she followed them in their commitment to higher education. After high school at Slippery Rock, PA, Dot attended Marietta College where she met Donald Best, the man who would become her husband and ardent supporter. While at Marietta, Dot received word that her father had a terminal illness, and she returned to the University of Pittsburgh to continue her degree work and to be closer to her family. She and Don were married on Pitt’s campus in Heinz Chapel in 1953. They were perpetual newlyweds during their 65 year marriage.

Dot and Don made their first home in Columbus, OH, where Don started his own insurance business. They and their three children eventually moved full-time to Buckeye Lake outside of Columbus where they had had a summer cottage. Lake life was fun and full of water sports, including skiing, boating, and fishing. Many evenings were spent enjoying the beautiful sunsets while cruising in the boat. Once their children were grown and gone, they split their time between homes in Florida, where Dot’s sister resided, and the Toledo area to be closer to some of their grandchildren.

While residing at the lake and when her kids were older, Dot became active as a volunteer for various community programs including Meals on Wheels and the local crisis hotline. She loved helping other people and would eventually use her passion to create the Office on Aging in Licking County as well as a chapter in Newark, OH, for Alzheimer’s awareness and support. Having lost two sisters and her mother to Alzheimer’s, Dot’s work with the chapter was very close to her heart. In fact, as a specialist in the area of aging and an activist for terminal patients’ dignity, she testified in front of the Ohio Senate for the living will, allowing patients to determine their own end of life choices. For her dedication and hard work, Dot was recognized as a Woman of the Year by the YMCA of Newark, OH. She and her sisters were all educated, professional, and family oriented women who personified the American Dream their parents set out to create.

Dot loved being with people, and she participated in many activities such as Nine-Holer clubs at the country clubs to which she belonged over the years, Euchre and Bridge groups, and community events. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority while in college, and she was devoted to her faith as a member of Methodist churches in Columbus, Hebron, and Toledo, OH, as well as Sarasota, and Longboat Key, FL. Dot also loved the various chapters of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) to which she belonged and served as president. She and Don enjoyed their years as members of Buckeye Lake Yacht Club. Dot was also a wonderful public speaker and often gave book talks to local women’s groups. Those who knew her remember her bright smile and being “full of pep, vim, and vigor,” as she would always proclaim.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Margaret (Williamson) Hudson and William Hudson; husband, Donald Best; son, Wayne Best; and sisters, Dr. May Bennett, Alice Kendall, and Eileen Moult. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Bruce) Schoenberger; son, John Best; grandchildren, Scott (Vivi) Schoenberger, Nicole (Chris) Sala, Rachel (Daniel) Klamo, and Aaron (Brooke) Best. She treasured recent visits from her new great granddaughter, Isabelle Hudson Sala.

Friends may visit from noon until 2 p.m., February 21, 2025, at Epworth United Methodist Church; 4855 Central Ave. A service will follow.

Special thanks to all the wonderful caregivers at The Grove at Oakleaf Village and Care 360 Hospice for their compassionate and dedicated support, to Pastor Cecil Thompson from Epworth UMC, and to Kathy Bell.

To honor Dot’s passion and work, please consider donating to our local Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Chapter: 480 W. Dussel Dr #140, Maumee, OH 43537.

Walker Funeral Home is handling arrangements, and condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.