Dorothy Ann Koontz

Dorothy Ann Koontz (nee Schroeder), 88, of Huron, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Stein Hospice after a short illness. She was born October 18, 1923 in Lakewood , OH and has been a Huron resident for the past 37 years, moving from Vermilion in 1975. Dorothy grew up in Vermilion graduating from VHS in 1941. She attended Wooster College, transferring to Fenn College in Cleveland where she graduated in 1945. She married Richard E. "Dick" Koontz June 20, 1947 Dorothy and Richard lived in New York City while he attended photography school. After returning to Vermilion they bought a fixer upper and raised their family. Dorothy stayed home to raise her children and when the kids were of school age she substitute taught public school and gave piano lessons in the home. Dorothy went back to school for her teaching certificate and began her career as a 3rd grade teacher at Lake School in Vermilion. Later she went back to school for her advanced degree at Cleveland State University and became a Clinical Psychologist at the Erie Ottawa County Guidance Center in Sandusky where she became the Clinical Director. She retired from the Guidance Center in 1985 after 16 years of service and went into private practice for a short time. During this period she volunteered with Stein Hospice setting up their grief program. She was a former member of the United Church of Christ Congregational, Vermilion and then became a member of the Unitarian Fellowship. She was also a member of the Bonsai Club, Sandusky, Sod Busters Garden Club in Huron and Sandusky and life member of the Ohio and American Psychological Association. Dorothy was an active naturalist and environmentalist participating on the Board of the Friends of Old Woman Creek, past State secretary of the Audubon Society, active with the Firelands Audubon Society where she also served as a past officer, and was involved with Sheldon's Marsh and the Friends of Erie Metro Parks. She was a supporter of the arts enjoying the Cleveland Orchestra, Firelands Symphony, and the Cleveland Playhouse. Dorothy was very instrumental in developing and starting the Vermilion YMCA and one or her largest achievements was her sucessful initiative and drive to save Edison Woods. She enjoyed teaching piano, bird watching, photography, hiking, traveling, and she was an avid reader. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Randy) Foster of Berlin Heights; sons, Richard Koontz of Sherwood, OR, and Michael Arthur Koontz of Dayton, OR; granddaughters, Katie & Sarah Foster; sisters, Ann Schroeder Osterberg of Bellevue, WA and Carolyn "Pete" (Dwight) McMullen of Orange City, FL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. Koontz Sr. in 1981; parents, Carl and Esther (nee Blood) Schroeder; and step mother, Catharine (nee Fulghum) Schroeder. An open house celebrating Dorothy Koontz's life will be held Sunday, July 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Firelands Room in the Frost Center at Osborn Park, 3910 Perkins Avenue, Huron. Private burial took place at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Stein Hospice 1200 Sycamore Line Sandusky, OH 44870; Erie County Metro Parks Erie MetroParks c/o Financial Administrator 3109 Hull Road Huron, OH 44839 or Friends of Old Woman Creek, PO 247, Huron, OH 44839. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.