Dortha Berdena Stewart

DORTHA BERDENA KREIDER STEWART Dortha Stewart, age 104, died peacefully on October 30 ,2018 in her residence at Creekside of Wolf Creek, Holland Ohio. Dortha, the daughter of Oma and Noah Kreider, was born in a little house and raised on a farm April 7, 1914, in South Whitley, Indiana. She was the oldest of 2 brothers and 2 sisters who pre-deceased her. Following high school she graduated from International Business College in Fort Wayne, IN with a degree in private secretarial work. After marrying her husband Floyd, in 1935 the two of them moved to Toledo. After 74 years of marriage Floyd passed away in 2009. Dortha retired after 25 years of employment as an executive secretary from Owens-Illinois, Forest Products Division. She and Floyd spent many wonderful years enjoying their weekend retreat at their cottage on Clear Lake in northeastern Indiana. Dortha was an accomplished musician who delighted in sharing her joy of music with others. At the age of 7 her mother encouraged her to learn to play the violin and piano. Every Saturday as a child she would travel into town with neighbors for her music lessons. In high school she earned a spot in the South Whitley High School Orchestra. After high school she played for many local bands and orchestras throughout her young adult life. Her musical talent took root in the Toledo area where she played violin with the Perrysburg Symphony and the Jewish Community Orchestra for more than 15 years. Most recently, to the age of 102, she entertained every week at various senior centers and nursing care facilities with the Sylvania Senior Center Joe LaConey Band. Even late in life Dortha was generous in her encouragement and willingness to teach violin to others. Her favorite phrase for those less adept was “you can do it.” Dortha lived her life independently after the passing of her husband in July 2009. She loved animals, especially her little dog Josie. Tending her flowers, feeding the birds and squirrels and entertaining her fellow residents at Wolf Creek with organ and violin music kept her vibrant and full of life. Frequent excursions for ice cream at Mr. Freeze and bingo were also favorites. Dortha was a member of the Owens-Illinois Golden Emblem Club, and a life member of the Toledo Animal Shelter, Maumee Save-A-Pet, Toledo Area Humane Society and the Steuben County Humane Society of Angola, IN. She was a past member of the Toledo Organ club, Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo Zoo. Dortha was an exceptionally kind, generous, gracious lady who never spoke ill of anyone and regularly offered words of praise and encouragement. To be in her presence was to experience genuine kindness and true warmth. She exhibited a positive attitude toward life and was interested in everything. Perusing her friend’s photos of world travel she often wanted to discuss the details of the picture. Her inquisitive mind and engagement in life is an inspiration to others. She was blessed with a keen mind and a quick wit and loved a good conversation. She is survived by her niece Jolene Kreider, her sister-in-law Nancy (Dick) Miller and many nieces and nephews. Dortha wishes to thank her special friends Karen Hasenfratz and Diana French for their kindness and love. She also wishes to thank her dedicated caregiver Debbie Lester, helpers Jeff and Anne and many more compassionate people who cared for her. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their attentive care. Arrangements by Walter Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio. Visitation November 10, 2018 from 10:00-12:00 with memorial service at noon. Burial immediately following at Ft. Meigs cemetery, Perrysburg, OH. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, the Toledo Symphony, or the Toledo Area Humane Society. “God gave us music that we might pray without words.”