Dorothy W. Smith

Dorothy W. Smith 96, of West Salem died at her beloved farm surrounded by her children on December 12, 2023. She was born on May 20, 1927 and raised on the Firestone Estate in Akron by her parents Harry and Laura (Nemeth) Van der Linden. Dorothy graduated from Buchtel High School. She was married to the love of her life Merle from 1949 till August 18, 2004 when he died. They moved to West Salem from Akron in 1975 where they then built Town and Country Campground a few years later in the late 1970’s. Her greatest job in life was being a stay-at-home Mom to her four children. Dorothy was a very active member of the West Salem United Methodist Church; you would always see Dorothy as a greeter on Sunday. She also enjoyed being a member of  the United Methodist Women, as well as the Bible Study. There were many things in life Dorothy loved, but the greatest thing she cherished was her family.

Dorothy leaves behind her three children: Pam (Joe) Barkley of North Carolina, Guy (Terri) Smith of West Salem and William “Cor” (Linda) Smith of Arizona; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle; son, Rod Smith; parents and two sisters, Laura Boyer and Marie Douglas.

The family would like to thank LifeCare Hospice’s staff and volunteers for their compassion and support. Memorials can be sent to LifeCare Hospice, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.

The funeral service for Dorothy will be Friday December 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM located at the Matteson Funeral Home with Pastor Beryl Baum officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Entombment will be at Rose Hill Burial Park on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM. If you have a photo or a memory of Dorothy to share with the family, please do so on the funeral home’s website mattesonfh.com.