Dolores Wooten

Dolores M. Wooten (“Dolly”) Born May 18, 1928 in Cleveland Ohio Dolores Wooten (maiden name: Lombardo) died peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025 at her home, where she lived for the past 2-1/2 years with her daughter Christine (“Chris”) Wooten and daughter-in-law Karen Ball. She was just a few days short of her 97th birthday. Prior to that, Dolly lived in the Westminster Thurber Community in Columbus. Dolly insisted on getting an apartment that faced downtown Columbus so she could invite all of us to watch Red, White and Boom, the annual fireworks display that’s “biggest in the Midwest”. Dolly was a passionate participant in the exercise classes at Thurber. With her tiny 4’8” stature, she was nevertheless full of energy and larger than life! Prior to moving to Columbus, Dolly lived for 30 years in Rocky River, Ohio. She could be found often at the mall across the street, either socializing with her morning walking club, or finding bargains at Kohl’s or Marc’s, or grabbing a meal at The Rustic. She loved the Bombay store and often brought home treasures. Dolly, her husband Don, and Chris lived on the west side of Cleveland until a few years after his death in 1984. Dolly never stopped loving her “one good man”. Together they forged a strong community of neighbors who raised their kids together and supported one another. She was a first-generation Italian who was so proud to have built a wonderful life with Don and Chris. Each Saturday evening you could find her headed to Mass and calling us to report on her adventures. Dolly worked for Cuyahoga County Jobs and Family Services for many years. She often regaled us with her stories about the families with which she interacted. Prior to that she sold hats and wigs at Higbee’s and has the privilege of meeting Ava Gabor, who owned the concession stand there. Dolly had a zest for life. She adored her daughter and her grand-dogs. She was what the doctors called “affable” and truly loved most of God’s creatures, her family, and her church. Dolores was one of seven children of Rose and Dominick Lombardo (both deceased). Dolly is survived by her sister Angeline (“Angie”) Thiery of Cleveland, Sister-in-law Kathe Lombardo now living in Indiana, nephews and nieces Lee Merecicky, Lisa Lombardo, Regina Olivero, Joe Lombardo, Laura Lombardo Schwartz, Jerry Lombardo, Russell Glaze and Frank Tyree, and Steve Lombardo plus many cousins and extended family. Though Dolly had only one biological child, she has many sons and daughters “by affection” who lovingly cared for her, lifted her spirits and called her “MA”. Those include: Dr. Terry Olive and Michael Hernly; Rebecca (“Becky”) Mitchell and Craig Douglass (deceased), Janet Tyler, Linda Caldwell, Marty Ball, and Sue Engle. Together her children and family not only boosted her spirits but extended her life. She brought bushels of love with her wherever she went. In Dolores’ memory, donations may be made to Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Suite B Columbus Ohio 43214, www.ohiohealth.com., or alz.org Alzheimer's Association, Central Ohio Chapter 1379 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 www.alz.org/centralohio.com. Friends may call on Monday May 12, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street in Worthington. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 10:00am at The Holy Family Catholic Church, 584 West Broad Street, Columbus Ohio 43215. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brookpark, Ohio at 1:30 pm.

Dolores Wooten

May 18, 1928 - May 10, 2025