Dorothy "Dee" Wukotich

Dorothy (Dee) Wukotich died peacefully at her home in Woodville, Ohio on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Born in Canton, Ohio, June 4, 1944, Dee grew up in Massillon, Ohio with adoptive parents, Wilbert and Anna Shilling. Following High School in Massillon, she graduated from Wittenberg University and taught, for several years, in elementary schools. On her birthday in 1966, Dee married her husband, Don; and together they have two children: Joel (Julie) Wukotich and Leslie (Jeff) Straka. Following the birth of her children, Dee devoted herself almost entirely to multi-tasking as a home-maker. In this, she worked tirelessly to establish a sense of home wherever her husband’s call as Pastor led their family.

In the small church of her childhood, Dee’s mother, Anna, played piano and organ; and, together with her father, Wilbert, Dee sang in the choir. Gatherings frequently closed with “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” For Dee, this Gospel hymn would become a lifelong favorite. In later years, she became passionately involved in Bible studies, fellowship circles and prayer chains. Her vocation as teacher extended beyond school to church, family and neighborhood activities. An avid reader, she spent thousands of hours reading to – and with – her children and grandchildren. Through local literacy programs, she spent years helping others to accomplish reading skills. Dee never stopped learning, would spend hours searching and trying new recipes, baking cakes and making candies for special events. A talented seamstress, she created spring and fall fashions for the entire family. She enjoyed painting, offering her creations for charity events and home décor. Dee was all in for family cookouts, camping and the making of lasting memories.

Preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Wilbert and Anna, as well as her father at birth, D. Herbert Schreffler. Dee is survived by her husband, Don; step mother Sallie together with brothers Donald and Harland Schreffler; children Joel (Julie) Wukotich and Leslie (Jeff) Straka; grandchildren Elijah (Lizzie), Mia, Jonah, Claire, Aaron and Wyatt; great grandchildren Olive and Mabel.

Dee contended gracefully with many personal health challenges in recent years. Sincere appreciation is expressed to home care-givers Missy Blausey, Sheila Entsminger, Heather Hall and Laura Davies. These compassionate individuals made it possible for her to remain in her home.

Memorials are encouraged to Luther Home of Mercy, P.O. Box 187, Williston, Ohio 43468 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A celebration of life event will take place at a later date with arrangements provided by the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Genoa, Ohio. Online condolences may be shared with Dee’s family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com