Dorothy "Dottie" Eldridge's Obituary
ELDRIDGE, Dorothy “Dottie”, age 90, of Waynesville, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Salyer Adult Group Home in Hillsboro.
Dottie retired from Centerville City Schools in 1997 after 20 years of service to the district. Always faithful to the Lord and her church, she was a dedicated member of the Fairview Primitive Baptist Church in Bellbrook. She had never ending faith, constantly read her Bible, and raised her children in a Christian home. She always insisted that her kids attend church every week during their upbringing.
Giving, loving, and feisty in a fun way, Dottie was the ultimate provider and loved caring and tending to her family. Even when enjoying a dinner out with her family, Dottie had such a servant’s heart that she was constantly trying to serve the family instead of letting the waitress serve. She greatly enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. Her love of flowers continued throughout her landscaping, where she kept the flower beds full and immaculate. She was particularly fond of petunias and used them to decorate the front and back beds beautifully. The large vegetable garden was a family affair while the kids were growing up, which led to plenty of vegetables to enjoy and give away to friends and extended family members. In fact, extended family often came by and participated in the gardening work, while also enjoying the country life by riding horses etc. With such a giving heart, Dottie gave many vegetables away, but she was also known for her love of canning to enjoy during the winter months. Dottie also enjoyed shopping and was particularly fond of shopping at Elder Beerman. The family will always remember all of the fond memories that were created with Dottie during the Christmas season. She was a gracious host and loved when the family got together. Among many things, she will be remembered for her love of collecting dolls and angels. In addition, she was the family picture taker, and loved creating photo collages of all the photos she took of her family.
Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, in 2013; one son, Gary Eldridge; her parents, Andy and Octavia Russell; four brothers, Malcolm, Luther, Paul, and Elmer Russell; and her three sisters, Betty Campbell, Lucy Little, and Rilda Eldridge. She is survived by her daughter, Tina (Jerry) Hanks; two sons, Rick (Sharon) Eldridge and Greg (Lora) Eldridge; four grandchildren, Melissa Mackey, Sara Jane (Shawn) Fangman, Timothy Hanks, and Christina (P.J.) Addison; 10 great-grandchildren, including Dottie’s grandson Trenton Mackey who she raised; one great-great-grandchild; and two brothers, Albert (Wanda) Russell and Eddie (Rhonda) Russell.
Funeral services will be held 1 PM Monday, February 10 at the Fairview Primitive Baptist Church in Bellbrook. Burial will be in the Fairview Primitive Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Monday at the church. Pastor Jason Robinette will be officiating the services. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to the Salyer Adult Group Home, 4420 OH-247, Hillsboro, OH 45133, where Dottie resided for the last several years. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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