Dorothy Louise Ward

Dottie was born March 8, 1932 to Lawrence and Mildred (Reinhardt) Deis, in Dayton, Ohio and passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025. At the age of 3, after the death of her mother, Dottie, and her siblings moved to St. Joseph’s Home for Children. Dottie’s fond memories at the orphanage, with the Sisters Of The Precious Blood caring for her, were many. She developed friendships there that have lasted a lifetime. At 15 years old Dottie moved to foster care until graduating from St. Joseph’s Commercial High School. Soon after high school Dottie married Bill Ward (deceased), a marriage that would last for 66 years and fulfill Dottie’s wish to have four wonderful daughters!

As a mother, Dottie was fun-loving and always made each of her daughters feel loved and cared for. She was always up for drive-in movies, vacations to Michigan, playing volleyball, fishing and playing cards and games. Her competitive spirit was contagious!

As the owner of Royston-Ward Jewelers, Dottie was highly respected by her loyal customers for her knowledge, honesty, and integrity.

Dottie has been an amazing role model for her family and others that knew her. Her humble, loving, and resilient spirit, showed through even when beset by life’s challenges. To be around her generous spirit was truly a gift. In her later years, she delighted in volunteering at St. Henry’s and spending time with her family, her beautiful grandchildren and special friends in her new home at Bethany Village. What a life filled with love she has had! Thank you, mom, for showing us how to love unconditionally and to make the world a better place.

Dottie is survived by her daughters: Carolyn (Steve) Cartwright, Susan (Tom) Schmidt, Janet (Gordon) Brown and Theresa (Jerry) Yoder, eight grandchildren: Stephanie Zimmer, Christina Cartwright, Alex and Erik Schmidt, Rebekah Kitterman, Rachel Watts, Sarah Ruth Furrow, Riley and Garrett Yoder and great-grandchildren: Lily and Henry. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Vincent de Paul’s of Dayton .