Dorothy A. Trisel, age 79, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Celina Manor under hospice care.

She survived 8-plus years after a double amputation due to complications of diabetes, kidney failure and heart disease. She read the obituaries in the newspapers religiously and would often wonder aloud "but what happened?" So dear readers, that previous cause-of-death statement was specifically for her.

She was born October 17, 1944, in Celina, Ohio, to Dale & Kathryn (Pond) Fisher. Dorothy married on July 27, 1963 to her high school sweetheart, Patrick L. Trisel, who survives her. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Also surviving are their four children: Tina (Tim) Oberholtzer of Lawrenceville, Ga,; Lori (Matt) Anderson of Westerville, Ohio; Don (Kim) Trisel of Rockford; David Trisel of Rockford; and 7 grandchildren: Alex Baumann, Zachary Oberholtzer, Rachel Oberholtzer, Hannah Holbrook, Katie Trisel, Ian Trisel and Will Trisel. Also surviving are her sisters Mary Bruce of Thomasville, N.C.; and Ruth (Tim) Bennett of Antwerp; sister-in-law Gloria Fisher of Rockford; brothers-in-law Guy Brigner Jr. of Rockford and Dan Osterloh of Celina; and many nieces, nephews, along with great and great-great nieces and nephews on both the Fisher and Trisel sides of her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers Gene Fisher and Don Fisher; sister Joan Fox; brothers-in-law Ron Bruce, Pat Fox and Terry Trisel; sisters-in-law Jannis Osterloh and Jo Brigner; and her parents-in-law Sterling and Betty Trisel.

Dorothy was in the first graduating class of Parkway High School in 1962. Forever true to her school, she was a dedicated parent to all of her children's school activities, sports, band and choir for the Panthers. She received a beautician's license from Fort Wayne Beauty School - a certificate that she kept active in later years so that she could assist hospice patients. She retired as an activities director for Shane Hill Nursing Home with more than 20 years of service. After retirement she frequently was called back to both Shane Hill and then Colonial Nursing Home to assist with their activities programs from bingo to field trips to Bear Creek Farms and Cincinnati Reds ballgames. She had a real passion for seniors and their care. While she was still healthy and mobile she was active in many community organizations from Friends of the Library and Red Hats to the Historical Society at the time they were bringing the little log cabin to Shane's Park. She was a member of New Horizons Church.

For many years after retirement Dorothy and Pat were "snowbirds" traveling to Sebring, FL each winter. It was the continuation of their lifelong love of camping. They congregated with many Ohio friends - making new friends across the country who have more of a love for sunshine and early bird dinner specials than drifting snow and muddy thaws. She always wanted to be home in time for the blooming of her spring bulbs, especially the hyacinths and tulips. In addition to her blooming plants she enjoyed all the feathered and furry creatures that feed right outside her windows. Dorothy was dedicated to her annual family vacations which, for 15 years, were housed right on the beach of the northern Outer Banks, NC. In more recent years the whole family also found fun in South Toe, NC, Traverse City, MI, and Lake Norris, TN. As travel became more difficult, close by Indian Lake became a destination to gather. Wherever the city, no matter the state, her goal was to gather the whole family together more often than just the winter holidays.

Cards and dice games, dominos and puzzles all had a special place in her home - and at every family gathering. Euchre was a huge part of the family dynamic and has passed down from countless games with her parents and in-laws to her children and now her grandchildren. There was always a huge smile of pride when she would recount the time Grandma Fisher "made a loan with only the left…" It was all about the bragging rights, and she had plenty to be proud of.

Calling hours are at the Ketchum-Ripley Funeral Home, Tuesday, March 12 from 3 to 7 p.m., and also prior to the services on Wednesday morning, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday March 13, at New Horizons Community Church. Burial service will be held at a later time for the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Women's Group at Olive Branch Church of God or Rockford Carnegie Library.