Delores Joseph, Class of 1971

Delores Joseph ’71 died May 20, 2020. She was born June 4, 1934 in Zanesville, OH, to the late Milton and Emmaline Joseph.
Dee was a devoted elementary school teacher, passionate in her desire to help each of her students thrive and succeed, many of whom kept in touch with her throughout their lives, remembering her fondly as a favorite teacher who made a lasting impact. Dee loved children, and children loved her. She was able to see the beauty of the world during her many trips, both domestic and abroad. Dee never turned down an opportunity to enjoy a new experience, and created lasting memories traveling with her family and friends. After retiring, Dee started a small business, bringing adapted clothing to local nursing homes. She was fulfilled serving those who were confined and interacted with residents, showing them dignity, respect, and kindness. The greatest joys of her life were her nieces and nephews. She was more than just “Aunt Dee”, she was a second mother to all of them.
She is survived by her sisters, Regina Ritchey and Rosemarie Mayhan; sister-in-law, Carolyn Joseph; nieces and nephews, Dave (Nadia) Ritchey, Mark Ritchey, Chris (Larisa) Ritchey, Rob Ritchey, Renee Ritchey, George Ritchey, Matt (Irena) Joseph, Brad (Tisia) Joseph, Russ (Katie) Joseph, John (Kellie) Mayhan Jr., Mark (Donna) Mayhan, Peter (Missy) Mayhan, Paul (Marilou) Mayhan, Marianne (Matthew) Pesler, and Galina Ritchey; great nieces and nephews, Marc Anthony, Drew and Zach Ritchey, Jason and Dima Ritchey,Gabriel Ritchey, Niko and Sara Joseph, Evan and Colin Joseph, Eli Joseph, John III “Trece”, Ryan and Evan Mayhan, Carter and Matthew Mayhan, Grace and Jack Mayhan, and Luke and Ava Mayhan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Emmett Joseph; two brothers-in-law, Elias Ritchey and John Mayhan Sr.; and a nephew, Dan Ritchey.