Dorothy R. Northeim

     Dorothy R. Northeim (nee Baetz), 97, died Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at the home of her daughter, Shirley Kitchen, in Lorain. Dorothy was born in Lorain in 1912 and was raised on the family farm in Brownhelm Township.  She graduated from Brownhelm High School in 1930 and resided in the township until her marriage to the late Harvey H. Northeim in 1934.  The couple eventually settled in Elyria where, together, they built and ran businesses which included an auto repair, machine shop/auto parts sales and lawn mower sales and service. They lived and worked in the Elyria area the majority of their lives. Dorothy was Harvey's "right hand" helper until his death in 1968. She was a jack-of-all trades working with him every day, in addition to taking care of their home and two daughters.

     Dorothy was a member of the Lake Avenue United Church of Christ in Elyria and participated in various church activities during the early part of her life. Well into her 80's, her interest and hobbies included playing the organ, baking, caring for her tea and climbing roses, pampering her African violets, and usually tending a small garden patch.  She delighted in adding fresh veggies from the garden to a relish plate for her guest to enjoy.

     Survivors include daughters Shirley Kitchen (Don) of Lorain, Marlene Kent (Karl) of Running Springs, CA, grandsons Terry Kitchen (Denise) of Lorain, Todd Kitchen (Julie) of Marion, great grandchildren Ben, Addam, Lindsay, Sarah, Taylor and Evan Kitchen, brother Donald C. Baetz of Brownhelm and Florence M. Weeks, (nee Baetz) of Conneaut.

     In addition to her husband, Harvey, she was preceded in death by her parents Conrad Baetz in 1944, mother Mary Baetz, (Holzhauer) in 1968, brother Harold W. Baetz in 1990 and a sister Esther E. Manuel (nee Baetz) in 2004.

     Friends may call on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 2:00 PM until funeral services at 4:00 PM in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio. Sister Pat Adams, chaplain for New Life Hospice will officiate.

     Burial will be private in Brownhelm Cemetery.

     The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to New Life Hospice, c/o Community Health Partners Foundation, 3600 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio  44053.