Dorothy (Dottie) Battelle

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Dorothy (Dottie) Battelle, passed away December 17, 2011 from complications incident to age. Dorothy and her twin brother Donald were born February 10, 1921 in Los Angeles, CA, to Frank and Maude Roush. Dorothy was raised and lived much of her life in the Dayton/Vandalia area. Growing up she spent time playing in and around the Dayton View home her father built, as well as swimming and lifeguarding at Clearwater Falls Pool owned by her parents. Dorothy graduated from Fairview High School, attended Wittenberg University and later graduated from the University of Dayton. She married Ralph Brinkman in 1940, they were later divorced. Dorothy taught elementary school in both the Dayton and Vandalia-Butler school districts. In 1961 she married Gordon K. Battelle. Dorothy had a life-long love for the water and she and her family spent many winters in Florida, swimming, walking the on the beach and collecting seashells. She and Gordon enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and just being together. After 43 happy years of marriage, Gordon preceded her in death in April 2004. Dorothy was very active into her late 80s and participated in water aerobics and Senior Strength classes at the Vandalia Rec Center. Dorothy enjoyed her instructors and friends there; as well as her bridge-playing friends at the Vandalia Senior Citizens. Among her other loved activities were reading, hunting Morel mushrooms and being with her children and grandchildren. Dorothy is survived by her children, sons, Donald Brinkman (Susie) of Copley, OH and John Battelle (Julie) of Vandalia, OH; her step-daughter, Barbara Schwartz (Patrick) of Salt Lake City, UT, 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service to celebrate Dorothys life will be held at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia on Wednesday, December 28 at 1:30 pm. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimers Association in Dorothys memory.