Dorothy Mae Daman, 86, passed away on March 15, 2024.
Dorothy was born in Toledo to Lewis and Mabel Harrison. She graduated from Waite High School and was fiercely proud of the Purple and Gold. After a year at The Ohio State University, she served in the United States Air Force, where, before the days of radar, she tracked aircraft, by hand, over the Eastern United States.
Dorothy was a talented artist, known for her realistic sketches, as well as her whimsical painted posters used to advertise ice cream socials and many other community events. She was a gifted seamstress, especially known for her ability to create and modify patterns for disabled friends. Dorothy was a skilled cake decorator and sugar artist, notably contributing to the German-American Festival. Unknown to many, she was a “closet” poet, slipping her verses into letters to those far away.
A member of Zion Lutheran Church, Luckey, she served in various roles as pre-school Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School Director and Head of Junior Lutherans. Dorothy was a lifetime member of the Troy American Legion Auxiliary (Unit #240), where she volunteered countless hours serving in the kitchen and selling poppies. She served many terms in many positions, but especially enjoyed her years as Poppy Chairman and President.
Dorothy married Airman First Class William E. Kruse, USAF. He was killed in the Texas Tower Incident in 1961. She married Dale F. Daman, Sr. in 1965.
Dorothy is survived by her brother Lewis Harrison, Jr. (Donna); sister-in-law Diane Minarik; daughters Carol Beckley and Laurel Daman; grandchildren Harrison Daman (Jessica Neuman), Genevieve Cunningham (Justin), Craig Daman (Michelle Pitzen) and Victoria Daman; and great-grandchildren Aiden, Gracie, Landon, Cameron, Lexi, Cheyenne, Braydon and Jonathan.
In addition to her spouses William and Dale Sr., she was preceded in death by her parents; Lewis G. and Mabel Daman, sister Maybelle and husband Willis McClane; her son Dale F. Daman, Jr.; her brothers and sisters-in-law Grace Daman, Charles and Lois Peabody, Lloyd and Mary Daman, and David and May Daman; and her nephew Jeffery Daman.
Dorothy will be laid to rest at a family graveside service in Webster Township Cemetery, New Rochester. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Troy American Legion Auxiliary (Unit #240).
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at: www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
