Dorothy D. Emerson

Dorothy Emerson, 89, died Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Kingston Residence of Marion.

She was born on June 25, 1936 in Portland, TN to the late Claude and Lillie (Sandlin) Groves. Dorothy moved to Bucyrus early in life and was a 1955 graduate of Bucyrus High School. On October 27, 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Ken Emerson and they shared 64 years of marriage prior to his passing on March 22, 2022.

Dorothy worked at Timken prior to raising a family and as her children grew, she returned to the workforce outside of home. Dorothy worked as a receptionist/bookkeeper for both the YMCA and later for Dr. Yaussy. She ended her work career by helping with her husband’s business, Ken’s Sports Center.

Dorothy formerly attended the Bucyrus Nazarene Church and in more recent years, the Bucyrus United Methodist Church prior to her decline in health. She liked volunteering at the hospital gift shop as well as enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels for the Council on Aging. Dorothy was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Bucyrus Moose Lodge.

She was an avid golfer, who enjoyed many rounds with friends at the former Bucyrus Country Club. Their Fridays often consisted of a round of golf followed by dinner, drinks and stories at the Moose Lodge, making for a wonderful evening. Dorothy and Ken were fortunate to travel as they did and witnessed some amazing sites along the way. At some point following her retirement, she picked up the card game, Bridge, and always looked forward to gathering with her Bridge club friends. Of all that Dorothy did, she truly felt happiest about keeping in touch with those she loved. She kept close with her extended family and proudly traveled to wherever her grandchildren were competing or performing.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Rhonda Rohrer, Shelly Rae Emerson and Douglas (Ruth) Emerson; grandchildren, Jacob (Shannon) Rohrer, Nikki Rohrer and fiancé, Jared Young, Justin (Kelsey) Emerson and Lindsay Emerson; along with great grandchildren, Parker and Duncan.

Dorothy was preceded in death by brothers, J.M., Vernon, Charles, Claude Jr., and Jeral Groves; sisters, Latella Brewington and Rebecca Goode and a half-brother, Harold Groves.

Calling hours for Dorothy will be held from 4 – 7 pm on Wednesday, February 4 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus where her funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday with Pastor Matt Anderson officiating. Burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made payable to Crawford County Council on Aging (for Meals on Wheels) or a charity of the donor’s choice. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.