Dorothea K. Wise 1933-2026

Dorothea “Dede” was born Jan. 3, 1933, to Gerald and Dorothy Keeler, at her Harshman grandparents’ residence in North Jackson.

Dorothea married the love of her life, Wayne C. Wise, on Dec. 29, 1953; they were married for 71 years until his passing in 2025.

She is survived by her three children, Dorene Willis of Quitman, Arkansas, David C. (Erin) Wise of Columbiana and Karen (Tom) Sapp of New Waterford; her six grandchildren, Jim (Jenny) Heasley, John Heasley, Nichole Pickel, Joe (Katie) Sapp, Aftyn (Ankur) Shah and Lindsay (Chris) Mumma; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by three siblings, Judy Miller, Sharon (Dale) Jucikas and Dale Keeler; and sister-in-law, Jackie Keeler; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Gerald “G.B.” and Dorothy Keeler; brother, David Keeler; and her in-laws, Chester and Vera Wise and Cora Sue Swogger.

Dorothea graduated from Berlin Center High School as valedictorian in 1951 and attended Kent State University until 1953.

Dorothea drove a school bus for Berlin Center, which later became Western Reserve Schools. She was a rural route mail carrier in Berlin Center. Later in life when Wayne’s job took them to Brownfield, Texas, she worked as a cafeteria lady and school bus driver. When they retired, they moved to Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and Dede was an active member of the Over 60 Synchronized Swim Club.

They left Arkansas and returned to Ohio, where they bought a farm in Columbiana. Dede was an avid artistic painter, seamstress and baker. She entered baked goods, sewing projects and numerous items in the county fairs, winning Best of Show various times over the years in baked goods, painted sweatshirts or sewing projects. She was a very talented lady.

Dorothea showed draft ponies and draft horses throughout the years at the various fairs. Wayne was her stablemate, but she did the driving of the ponies. She would tell you she “loved to beat the men” when she showed. Dorothea and Wayne belonged to Wagon Train for three years. She belonged to MVPOA, Ellsworth Grange, United Methodist Women’s Club and sang in the choir. She was a member of the VFW in Texas and American Legion Auxiliary, Post 131; she was a 4-H adviser for years while her children were in 4-H.

The family would like to thank Jennifer, Anita, Patty and Diana; the Inn at Old Saybrook; and Patriot Hospice for the excellent care they gave Dorothea.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, Canfield.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, at Ekis (North) Cemetery on Newton Falls Road, Lake Milton, where Dorothea will be laid to rest beside Wayne.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Patriot Hospice, 986 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, OH 44420; 330-306-9651.

(special notice)