Dorothy Ann Valatka's Obituary
Dorothy Valatka Obituary
Dorothy Ann Valatka (nee: Mancheski), a resident of Elyria of more than fifty years, passed away March 8, 2018 at Towne Center in Avon Lake, Ohio. Dorothy was born November 8, 1929 to John and Luella (nee: Zwaska) Mancheski in Stevens Point, WI. Dorothy was proud to have served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1952 as an Airman Basic. She completed basic training in San Antonio, TX, and was stationed in Biloxi, MS and Roswell, NM. She was one of the first female soldiers to work as a Control Tower Operator. She said at the time having women in that line of work for the military was an experimental program. When asked how it went, she responded, “We all passed with flying colors!” Dorothy has had two grandchildren follow in her footsteps into the Armed Forces, with one grandson, Jason Valatka, serving in the Air Force and a granddaughter, Jo Beth Davidson, enlisted in the Navy. Dorothy was a graduate of Kent State University and was among the first class of Head Start teachers. She later went on to receive her Master’s degree in Education. She taught in North Olmsted public schools at Forest Elementary. Her favorite grade to teach was second grade. Two of her daughters followed her into the teaching profession as well as two granddaughters, Kristel Owen and Sarah Valatka McCormick, both of Indianapolis. She was a member of St. Mary Church, Elyria. She enjoyed her summer vacations, traveling, crossword puzzles, napping, and going out for coffee. Dorothy enjoyed her yearly get-together with her siblings in Captiva Island, FL and relished an extended trip to Poland. Dorothy will be remembered as a smart, independent woman with a great sense of humor. She was proud of her military service, her teaching, and especially her hard work raising all seven of her children by herself. She fiercely loved her family and is survived by her children, Audrey (Dave) Rickey of Avon Lake, Bill (Sue) Valatka of Indianapolis, IN, Matthew (Eileen) Valatka of Elyria, David (Dana) Valatka of Elyria, Alex Valatka of Elyria, Connie (John) Henry of Waterville, OH and Mary (Larry) Kline of Concord, OH. Dorothy had 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Bob Mancheski of Stevens Point, WI, Stanley (Skip) Mancheski of Colorado. Her surviving siblings include Fred Mancheski of North Haven, CT, Ruth Komasa of Stevens Point, WI, and Mary Tech of Alpharetta, GA. The family would like to thank the staff at Avon Lake Towne Center, and Daughters with Degrees for their thoughtful and diligent care. Private services were Monday March 12, 2018 at Dicken Funeral Home, Elyria. Reverend Father Charles T. Diedrick officiated with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church, Elyria, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria. For online condolences visit dickenfuneralhome.comTo be in Tuesday’s ct w picture-Dicken FH-440/322/3224 SERVICES Funeral Service Monday, March 12, 2018 2:00 PM Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service 323 Middle Ave. Elyria, OH 44035
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