Dorothy “Dottie” Semen was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to everyone. She passed away in her sleep of natural causes on Good Friday April 15, 2022, at age 96.
She was born to Manual and Clara Solomon on November 7, 1925, in the original home built by her grandfather on their homestead. As one of 10 children, 5 girls and 5 boys, she is survived by two sisters: Maxine and Betty. Dottie was married to the late Versa “Toby” Semen, local restaurateur and businessman in Greenville. She had three boys from a previous marriage: Sam, Terry and Larry Stiles. After her retirement and previously living with Terry in Rancho Palos Verdes California, her homesickness brought her back to Greenville. For the past nine years, she had been living with Terry in Madison, Mississippi on beautiful Lake Caroline to be closer to family & friends in Ohio.
Dottie was a larger-than-life original personality engaging in Darke County activities for many years including The Great Darke County Fair with multiple food stands and the Annie Oakley celebrations with the famous “Dottie’s Old Time Players” melodramas with plenty of audience cheers for the heroine and hisses for the villain. Dottie’s Old Time Players has an exhibit in the Garst Museum.
A professional businesswoman she managed multiple restaurants featuring home-cooking with daily specials on hand-written menu inserts. She also owned “Dottie’s Country Cupboard” Gift Shop on Broadway in Greenville. She always said that finally “…she had her name in lights on Broadway.” She was a friend to everyone and would say to new friends, “… you won’t forget me …” She shared her many vivid memories and stories of life growing up on the farm, touring the country and international travel. She was part of the Darke County fabric and will be sorely missed by her many friends across this great country.
A short graveside service open to the public will be held at Abbottsville Cemetery scheduled for 2:00 PM on Monday April 25, 2022, with Pastor Drew Bush officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s foundation on her behalf. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Seman family.