Dorothy E. Smith

OH Dorothy Elizabeth Smith (Burger) passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on Monday, January 12, 2026 at The Ohio Eastern Star Home, Mount Vernon, Ohio. She was born January 19, 1928 in Cincinnati, OH to the late Frank and Mary (Kern) Burger and married Fondus B. Smith Jr. (Jak). He preceded her in death in the year 2000. The two were married for over 50 years. After being a stay at home mother, Dorothy began her working career as the secretary at Hartwell Elementary School. She then took a position in the Human Resources Department at the Tool Steel Gear and Pinion Company (Xtek) where she worked for 23 years before retiring in July 1994. She is preceded in death by her nine siblings; Charles (Virginia) Burger, Richard (Edith) Burger, Thomas (Birdie) Burger, Virginia (Ladd) Stickney, Ruth (Clifford) Livingood, John (Dorothy) Burger, William Burger, Robert (Carolyn) Burger and Shirley (Robert) Burton. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Jane Valdez of Plumas Lake CA, her son Jak (Amy) Smith of Mount Vernon, OH, step granddaughter Sibley (Alex) Poland of Mount Vernon, OH, granddaughter Elizabeth (Nate) Moore-Valdez of Plumas Lake, CA, grandson AJ (Ashley) Smith of Mount Vernon, OH, great granddaughter Abigail Moore-Valdez of Plumas Lake, CA, great grandson Blake Smith of Mount Vernon, OH, and great grandson Landen Moore-Valdez of Plumas Lake, CA, and her many nieces and nephews. An avid "keggler", Dorothy spent many of her younger years bowling with her father and brothers, then on Friday nights in the Xtek bowling league at Seymore Lanes. She continued bowling here in Mount Vernon for many years until the time was right to retire her bowling ball. In addition, and after losing her husband, she began to travel with her friends from Freedom Years across the United States and abroad. She loved the travel and adventures of exploring new places. Dorothy was a loving and caring person who helped many through her long years of life, be it an insurance question at Xtek, or just someone who shared a kind word. Her home was always open to family, friends and even people that just needed a helping hand. She will be deeply missed. Visitation will take place at the Hodapp Funeral Home 7401 Vine St., Carthage, Wednesday, February 4th from 10AM until Funeral Service at 11AM. Interment will follow immediately at Oak Hill Cemetery.