Visitation:
Thursday, January 9, 2025
3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Willard Christian Reformed Church
Willard, Ohio
Service:
Friday, January 10, 2025
10:30 a.m.
Willard Christian Reformed Church
Willard, Ohio
Dolores Frances Crooks, aka Dee to friends and family, DeeDee to her grandchildren and great grandchildren and Lori to her beloved husband, entered heaven on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Ohio Health Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio.
Born August 31, 1942 in Buffalo, NY, Dee’s faith and family were the cornerstones in her life. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend who was always there when needed, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance.
She will be deeply missed by her husband and favorite human on this earth, Timothy F. Crooks, whom she called “My Hero.” They were together for 70 years and married for 65.
She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Pfahl (Barry), son Timothy J. Crooks (Lisa), and 8 grandchildren that were her pride and joy. Joshua Bauerle (Courtney), Eric Bauerle (Gina), Jenna Slauterbeck (Nicholas), Gabrielle Westmoreland (Mark), Chanel Dubay (James), Colin Crooks, Jared Crooks (Lily) and Jade Crooks, 11 great grandchildren that she adored, her beloved sister Beverly Newman, brother David Atherton, brother in-laws Thomas Crooks, Danny Crooks, Jimmy Crooks (Fallan), sister in-laws Kelly Tobia (David), Robin Finsterbach (David), several nieces and nephews she cherished and her dear friend Dianne Rohny.
She was preceded in death by her father in-law James F. Crooks, parents Kenneth and Vera Atherton, brother Butch Atherton, mother and father in-law Marie Waechter (Harry), sister in-law Brigette Crooks, brother in-laws Terry Crooks, Chuck Tebo and Louie Newman.
Dee was a joy and inspiration to all. Her faith, love, kindness, positive attitude and sense of humor impacted everyone that came in contact with her. Her light was so bright, she lit every room she entered, always lifting and encouraging everyone she spoke with.
Her unshakeable faith and unsinkable spirits helped her survive her battle with cancer 28 years ago, that drastically changed her appearance, her ability eat, talk and walk without assistance. Yet she remained joyful and positive, praising God asking Him to use her story and pain for good, and He did just that!
She was a motivational speaker for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life from 1997-2010, earning the American Cancer Society 2011 Courage award. She spoke to the Willard students and the industries in Willard, educating on the dangers of smoking, sharing her story and her painful recovery. In 2011 the Willard Education Association presented her with the “A Friend in Education” award.
She was an avid volunteer for Willard Christian Reformed Church, the Food Bank and the Salvation Army in Willard.
At 54 years old she went to college to study Psychology and taught GED classes.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the following organizations:
The Salvation Army and ASPCA
Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 9th at Willard Christian Reformed Church from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The funeral will be on Friday, January 10th at 10:30 a.m.at Willard Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Len Riemersma officiating. Online condolences can be made to Dee’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com