Dorothy was born in Massillon, OH on March 29, 1928 the daughter of the late John and Teresa (Ruwadi) Barber. She was a longtime resident of Massillon and a 1946 graduate of Washington High School. Dorothy met her husband Paul at Peoples Federal Savings and Loan in 1948 where she was a teller. They married in 1950 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. A homemaker throughout her life, Dorothy enjoyed cooking, playing bridge, traveling, sailing, singing and spending time with family. She was a 45-year member of the Canton Civic Opera where she took many leading roles in Broadway musicals and performances. She was a lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Massillon.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother John Barber and sister Ruth Helen Snavely.
She is survived by her husband Paul von Gunten, her daughter, Paula (Tim) Smyth of Estero, FL, her son Marc (Deepika) von Gunten of Novato, CA, and son Karl (Nancy) von Gunten of Cary, NC; her grandson, Brian (Emily) Smyth of Wexford, PA, her grandson, David (Michelle) von Gunten of Redondo Beach, CA, her grandson, Kevin (Uyen) Smyth of Nashville, TN, her granddaughter, Laura (Jeremy) Arredondo of Garland, TX, and her granddaughter, Stefanie von Gunten of San Francisco, CA; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh for all of the love and support they provided.
Condolences and letters of love can be sent to the family c/o SearStone Retirement Community 17001 SearStone Drive, Cary, NC 27513.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the SearStone Winston Clubhouse in Cary. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to Voices of Canton, 1001 Market Ave North, Canton, OH 44702.