Dorothy Rita (Crowley) Van Kirk

Dorothy Rita Van Kirk, 85, of Wellston, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. She was born July 30, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Thomas and Jennie (Fox) Crowley.  A Christian by faith, Dorothy was a member of the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston.  Her kind, gentle, caring, and loving demeaner lent itself well to the many years she worked in healthcare. She was a past member of the Vintage Club, Historical Society, and currently a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She will be greatly missed by many.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Van Kirk; children: Debbie Buckley, Tina Unger, JoAnne VanKirk, and Charles (Jill) Van Kirk; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild; two brothers, George “Buddy” (Peggy) Crowley and Robert Crowley; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas, William, and Edward; sisters, Florence Simkunas, Anna McKinney, and Elizabeth Olavage; and a son-in-law, James Unger.

A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating Dorothy’s life will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., in the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Wellston, with the Rev. Fr. Thomas Herge as celebrant. The family will receive friends also on Monday, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., in the chapel of R.M. Williams Funeral Service, 120 W. Broadway St.

She will be laid to rest in Forrest Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where a graveside service will held. Details are still forthcoming.

Please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com to leave a message of comfort, encouragement, or condolence to the family or to view Dorothy’s online video tribute.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for the Van Kirk Family.