Dorothy Ann “Dottie” Bloomingdale Woods, 91, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away September 11, 2016, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo.
Dorothy was born in Marseilles Township to Charles and Ruth (Heckathorn) Bloomingdale on May 15, 1925. She went to high school at Green Camp High School and graduated in 1943. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in business education from Bowling Green State University in 1947. Dottie began a teaching career in Harding High School until she became unable to continue due to a severe allergy to chalk dust. She worked out of her home helping small businesses, like Henry Manufacturing, get a start by setting up their accounting books. In 1953, she set up the books for Dr. D. L. Gamble of Bowling Green, working for him part time until 1962 when she began full-time work for him. She was a registered medical secretary for Dr. Gamble and later for Dr. Kuebeck, retiring in 1993. After retirement from the doctor’s office, Dorothy worked as receptionist for Judy McGraw of the Bowling Green H & R Block office. She knew many local people and often referred to them as “one of our babies,” and as adults they recognized and greeted her.
As a college student at BGSU she resided in Shatzel Hall. Her college years were busy ones with studies. She worked at a nearby farm and belonged to many campus organizations: University Choir, Treble Clef, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Omega Pi, Quill Type, YMCA, SCF, WSGA, and Alpha Gamma Delta where she was secretary, recording secretary and activities chairman. She was honored by Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity with its Arc of Epsilon Pi. The last title conferred upon her was “Golden Falcon” by President Mary Ellen Mazey in April of 2015.
In May of 1948, Bowling Green became home for Dorothy when she married the love of her life, Glenn “Bus” Woods, Jr. Dorothy enjoyed music and singing and played many instruments including the violin, mandolin, ukulele, piano and organ and was a tintinnabulator (handbells) for many years for the First Presbyterian Church. She became a member of the church in 1946, was a deacon and worked with the youth and youth choirs. She served as a Royal Matron and Grand Assistant Lecturer for Order of the Amaranth, Heatherdowns Court No. 49, in Toledo. She was also a member of Dendarah Court No. 10 Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America of Toledo.
While a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dottie served as a state Page from 1955-60 and became State Chairman of Pages in 1961-62. Her membership to DAR was granted through her being related to Capt. Michael Cresap (April 17, 1742 – Oct. 18, 1775). Captain Cresap was a noted frontiersman born in Maryland, who spent part of his adult years in the Ohio Country as a trader and land developer. He led several raids against Indians whom he believed were hostile to white settlement.
Dorothy was a 68-year member and very active in the Order of the Eastern Star, holding her membership with Greenwood Chapter No. 159 in Bowling Green. She served four terms as Worthy Matron of Greenwood Chapter and over 20 years as secretary. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and served as the musician for many chapters when called upon to do so. She was honored in 1984-86 to serve the state of Ohio as Grand Representative of Vermont in Ohio. She and Glenn traveled not only all over Ohio but in other states and Canada to visit Eastern Star chapters and made many valuable friendships throughout the travels. In the words of fellow travelers and the National Camping Travelers, “one is never a stranger when being a part of the masonic fraternity.”
Family and preserving family history was important to Dorothy. She served as secretary of the Hartle family reunion for 57 years. The Hartle Reunion is still being held, this year being its 106th anniversary.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Grant and Ruth Edith, and one brother, Charles Ethan. Her spouse of 48 years, Glenn B. “Bus” Woods Jr., passed away in 1996.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Greg) Schwab of Bowling Green; grandsons Greg Jr. (Nikki) and Geoff (Annie); and great-grandsons Dylan and Vincent Schwab. She is also survived by sister-in-law Catherine Woods Bish and nieces and nephews who affectionately called her Aunt Dottie.
Visitation for Dorothy will be held in the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, 1460 W. Wooster Street, P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Tele: 419-352-2171, on Friday, Sept. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. Order of Eastern Star services will begin at 7:30 p.m.
A graveside service will be held at Tymochtee Cemetery in Marseilles Township, Wyandot County, on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Gary Saunders of Bowling Green’s First Presbyterian Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pathways unit of Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio on South Detroit Avenue in Toledo.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Browning Masonic Community and to Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo for their support in her final days.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be left for Dorothy’s family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
