Obituary of Dorothy Jean Mehal

STOW - Dorothy Jean Mehal (nee Thomas), 89, passed away November 24, 2017.
She was born November 9, 1928 in Akron, Ohio and was the eldest daughter of the late John W. Thomas and Mary C. (Abell) Thomas.

Dorothy was a graduate of Garfield High School and attended The University of Akron. While at Garfield, she was Feature Editor of the school newspaper, a member of Quill and Scroll, an international honorary society for high school journalists, as well as a student assistant in the library.

Her entire business career was with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. She was employed in the office division and retired with over 33 years of service.  Dorothy made treasured lifelong friendships, especially with Firestone girls and enjoyed their fun-filled get-togethers. After retirement, she became an accomplished writer with three published historical novels and is listed in the Directory of Ohio Creative Writers. At Christmastime, relatives and friends looked forward to receiving an original short story with a holiday theme in their greeting card. A voracious reader, she donated countless books to the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library for their book sales. Dorothy was an avid fan of cook books. Dorothy will be remembered as soft-spoken, kind, and gentle with an infectious smile.

Among her memberships were Holy Family Catholic Church, Romance Writers of America, THE GUM DIPPERS, a worldwide group of Firestone retirees, Friends of Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library and Stow Sunshiners.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony "Tony" Mehal of 30 years of marriage; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn Ann Evans and Dr. John T. Evans, Jr., and brothers Joseph, Harold, and William Thomas. She is survived by godson and nephew, John T. Evans, III of' Florida, and nephew Attorney David M. Evans of Missouri; nieces Ann M. (Al, deceased) Ramos of Maryland, Dr. Mary J. (David) Zimmer of North Carolina, Theresa (David) Apple of Florida and Dr. Patricia (Gregory) Wright of Georgia; great-nephews Paul, Evan, Christopher, and Todd; great-nieces Laura, Anna, Erin, and Lynne.

Dorothy will be interred alongside of her husband, Tony, who was the love of her life in a private service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron, Ohio. Should friends desire, perform an act of kindness or donate a book to the library in her memory.