Obituary of Dortha Mae Wiley

Dortha Mae “Dot” Wiley passed away quietly at home surrounded by her loving family. Amazingly, for someone with such a large sweet heart and using all her energy helping others, her body finally succumbed to congestive heart failure. Born in Booth, WV to Zela Matilda Dodrill and Norva Stanley Gross, she lived and worked her teen years during our country’s worst depression ever recorded. But she always said, even though living a coal camp, she never really felt the economic woes because of all the love and support her large family gave to each other. Dot is survived by her daughter Lynn Bennett of Bridgeport and her son Douglas (Kathy), sister Helen Shope, Brother Blaine Gross (Janet) all of Morgantown. Sister in laws; Jean Gross of Morgantown and Eleanor Gross of Youngstown, OH. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and cousins and their families along with grandcats Freddie, Sandy, Tigger, and Katie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Warren Wiley, four brothers; Wayne, Glem Richard (Marge), and Norva Stan, and infant Glenn, two sisters; Erma Ruth Sams (Jim), and Lenora Pill (Ted), and her son-in-law Ben Bennett. She was a self-taught hair stylist and could be easily spotted surrounded by mounds of hair and all those people, family or not, waiting to be called to “the chair”. Her 64 year old son, Douglas, has never had any other barber. She also worked in many retail stores in Booth and Morgantown while growing up and even bought out a store alongside her husband of 45 years, Warren, just after World War II.Then while helping a friend to get a job, she was hired by Thorofare Mkts in 1956 and worked for them until they were sold in 1982. Instead of taking the option to retire, she was recruited by John and Betty Rosage to help manage the IGA in Bridgeport. She enjoyed life, salmon fishing, camping with family throughout the United States, or traveling abroad. Playing cards, bowling or weekend camping along the trout streams with friends and family always topped the list. Devoted to her parents, she traveled two hours weekly to lend help to her parents. Her neatness and cleanliness of wherever she planted her feet were the cornerstone of her existence. The loving role model she presented was inspiring to all that were fortunate enough to meet her. Special thanks to her niece Cynthia Pill and great-nephew Ian Umstead for their loving care in her final days. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Betty Griffith Scholarship Fund in care of Kathy Wiley, 108 Cobun Valley Lane, Morgantown WV 26508. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Wednesday, June 24, from 6-9 p.m. and again on Thursday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. D.D. Meighen officiating. Interment will follow Lawnwood Cemetery. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com