Dorothy Gabriel

Dorothy Ann Ladd Gabriel passed away quietly and peacefully during the early morning hours of March 24, 2026 with her husband, John, at her side.

Born on January 4, 1926 to John Dennis and Dorothy A. Ladd, she was the third of four daughters born into the family. Dotty, as she preferred to be called, is predeceased by her parents, her grandparents Jordan and Carrie Ladd, Hollis and Mary Mounts and sisters Martha Ladd and Marolyn Pitcher and dearly loved aunt, Mary (Mamie) Mounts. She is survived by her husband John R. Gabriel and Sister Eleanor Hixson. Also surviving are sons J. Steven (Nancy) Gabriel, Bruce Michael (Lea Anne) Gabriel, James Robert (Ann) Gabriel. Grandchildren surviving her are Ladd (Emily) Gabriel, Nathan (Jennifer) Gabriel, Christian (Robert) Thomas, Evann (Matthew) Lewis. Great Grandchildren, who loved and adored their great grandma are Lorelai Thomas, Emma Gabriel, Chase Gabriel, Katelyn Gabriel, Abigail Lewis and Aubrey Lewis. Also surviving are nieces Susan Cadwallader, Jennifer Pitcher, Diane Murphy, Cindy Beck, Terese Hamilton and nephew Daniel Pitcher.

Dotty grew up in a loving and encouraging family. She was a curious and good student in school and loved all things of nature, especially the family horse, the several dogs that would make themselves at home over the years, flowers, summers camping with her family along Paint Creek and her dearest friend Joy who would become her sister-in-law.

Upon high school graduation Dotty entered the Christ Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Oh. from which she would graduate as the outstanding graduate of the class of 1946. Thus began her long and dedicated career as a Registered Nurse wherein she first served our country as a nurse in the U.S. Army Cadet Nurses Corps at the Ft. Hayes Army Hospital in Columbus Ohio. Along with her skills and her compassion as a nurse, Dotty became known for her kindness to all, for sharing her pies and oatmeal cookies and her desire to have a cup of coffee with anyone who happened to cross paths with her. Her guiding belief throughout her life was this: “I ought”, “I can”, “I will”. She truly loved and lived to serve all.

Dotty and John married on December 24, 1946 at the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church and this past Christmas Eve (2025) celebrated their 79th wedding anniversary. Simply remarkable. Equally remarkable, Dotty and John were active members of Hilliard United Methodist Church for 69 years.

A memorial service for Dotty will be held at Tidd Funeral Home Hilliard, Ohio with visitation beginning at 1:00pm and service commencing at 2:00pm on Monday April 13, 2026. Dotty’s family wishes to acknowledge and lift up the compassion and dedication to care and comfort provided by Capital City Hospice nurses and aides, Pastor Jim, the Blue Girls of Health Care Concierge and Cathy Casey, RN.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Central Ohio Chapter 5200 Upper Metro Pl. Suite 170, Dublin, OH. 43017

A plea to anyone reading this obituary: Be kind. Don’t let anger consume you. And, regardless of how you feel each of us came to inhabit this earthly life, reach out and be your brother’s keeper, for Agape love is our only human form of salvation. Blessings to each and every one of you.