Dorothy Greubel Stahl, 97, formerly of Latrobe, Ellwood City, Bradford Woods and Zelienople passed away peacefully at Passavant Hospital in McCandless on Thursday, December 28, 2023 after a two-week hospitalization. The name Dorothy means ‘God’s Gracious Gift’ which relates to the abilities and talents the Lord gave this woman and indeed He did.
Dorothy (‘Do’) was not only beautiful with a classy elegant style, but talented in so many areas-yet so humble. Her kind (Colgate) smile, her cheerful and playful personality as well as her sweet demeanor won people’s hearts and lifted them up. She exuded grace whether you deserved it or not and she had a great sense of humor. She recognized the joys in life whether big or small.
She was born in Latrobe and attended Latrobe High School with Arnie Palmer who inspired her love of golf-whether playing or watching. She visited the Masters Tournament several times during her lifetime -one time, being only two weeks after back surgery. Nothing would keep this woman down- she had a fighting spirit. She was also a big Steelers and Penguins fan.
Dorothy married Robert (Bob) Stahl in 1948. They had 3 daughters-a set of twins and a spare. She knew she was having twins even though the doctors denied it.
She was an accomplished and professionally trained vocalist and used her gifts as a soloist at weddings as well as acting and singing at the Red Barn Theatre. She was well known as the Boar’s Head Queen at Christ Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City for many years while her husband Bob served as one of the Three Kings. As the choir director at Christ Presbyterian Church, she recruited her entire family to join the choir in spite of the fact that they did not possess the vocal talent she had.
Sewing was a passion of hers and she made most of the clothing for her daughters and herself. Nothing was too big of a challenge for her. She was accomplished at quilting, embroidering, knitting- all self-taught. She dressed “to the nines” but did it for herself, not for what others would think. Even at her senior retirement community people commented on her fashion flair.
Socially, she was a great cook and entertainer, often hosting bridge club, dinner club and New Year’s Eve for friends and family. Dorothy and Bob were great together as a couple whether dancing the jitter bug, playing golf or traveling in their RV across the U.S. and Canada while enjoying their retirement winters in Florida. Dorothy was masterful behind the wheel of their 25-foot RV. While in Alaska she backed the RV onto a ferry and a trucker came up to her and said “ma’am, I couldn’t have done that any better than you”.
They traveled abroad to Europe with the Rotary Club and traveled to Hawaii one winter where Dorothy was tagged as a score keeper for Lee Trevino at a golf tournament. She was good at numbers as evidenced by her winning on the “Price Is Right” TV show in 1964 in New York City.
As a loving, engaged and active mom with her daughters she served as their Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, was involved in Rainbow Girls and the Eastern Star. She taught her daughters to cook, sew, knit and iron and to do everything to the best of their abilities. She led by example and demonstrated the importance of service and commitment to the community.
In the business world she was very accomplished which was unusual for a woman of her generation. She started as the Secretary to the Ellwood City School Board, advanced to serve as the Business Manager of the School District and served as the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Board Officials. Her technology skills were incredible. She would take on any Microsoft Advisor trying to solve a problem with her computer or printer and surprised her daughter at age 90 when she offered to ‘air drop’.
But the most important accomplishment in Dorothy’s life was her commitment to her faith. She lived her faith every day by her words and deeds. Her time spent at church and in devotional time was what kept her focused and faithful. She was a strong woman of faith and proudly proclaimed herself as a “Child of God” which was her guiding compass.
Dorothy is reunited with her husband Bob who passed away in 2019 and their daughter Linda who passed away in 2005 as well as her parents and siblings who predeceased her. She leaves behind two daughters Sue Hoffman and Barbie Lovejoy; son in law, Dave Hoffman, granddaughters Kim Brant and Megan O’Hara; grandsons in laws Chad Brant and Phil O’Hara and 6 great grandkids, Jack and Mary Brant and Belle, Aidan, Brady and Quinn O’Hara.
Her spirit is already deeply missed as she was a constant reminder of and a connection to all that was right and good with the world.
No viewing or visitation arrangements are planned. A Tribute to Dorothy’s Life will be celebrated at a future time.
Memorial gifts may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church, 325 Spring Avenue, Ellwood City PA 16117 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com or privately to the family at condolences4dorothy@aol.com
Be the first to comment on "Dorothy G. Stahl, 97"