Dortha Jean Campbell's Obituary
Dortha Jean Snyder was born in Lima, OH, September 11, 1930, to Clara C. "Connie" (Reynolds) and Kenneth K. "K.K." Snyder, Sr. Jean grew up in the Lima/Elida/Gomer area and graduated from Gomer High School in 1948. She married Weldon L. Burkholder on December 10, 1949, and began married life on the family farm near Columbus Grove, OH. Jean was a homemaker and very much enjoyed raising her four children. She worked at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Richland Manor, and Bluffton College in various capacities. One of Jean's greatest joys in life was teaching swimming and introducing water exercise classes for all ages at the Lima YWCA. She was on staff for 20 years and volunteered for another 6 years.
Jean's faith in Christ was her cornerstone. As a girl she attended services with her friends. After marriage, she was baptized into membership in the Ebenezer Mennonite Church and later joined the First Mennonite Church in Bluffton. When Weldon retired, the couple moved to Columbus Grove, where they became active members at St. John's United Methodist church, with Jean serving as Church Historian. Weldon passed away on Dec. 8, 1989, two days short of their 40th anniversary. Jean remained in Columbus Grove until August 19, 1994, when she married James K. Campbell and moved to St. Mary's, OH. There she joined the Wayne Street United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Suzanna Wesley Circle. She prayed regularly for her family and friends.
Jean's hobbies were gardening and swimming. She also loved history and spent many hours researching family genealogy and embroidered, pieced and quilted those histories in quilts.
She was a member of the Columbus Grove Garden Club and the St. Mary's Garden Club.
Her family was the biggest part of her life and she went to the events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whenever possible, always expressing interest in their activities.
Jean passed away peacefully at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton, on July 28, 2026, at the age of 95. She is survived by her children: M. Kay (Tom) Fleming, Goshen IN; Louis A. (Sharon) Burkholder, Nova, OH; Lyle W. (Kathy) Burkholder, Pandora, and Mark L. (Jill), Bluffton; 8 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 1 niece and 6 nephews; 4 step-children: John Campbell, Jerry (Donna) Campbell, Linda (Roger) Gerber, and Kendra (Don) Riethman; and several step-grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by both her husbands; her brother, Kenneth K. Snyder Jr.; 4 sisters-in-law, a niece and 2 nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. John's Community Church, 205 S. High Street, Columbus Grove with visitation two hours prior (9:00 am - 11:00 am). Pastor Kyle Thain officiating. Burial to follow at Pike Run Cemetery, Gomer, Ohio. Preferred memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To share online condolences please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com.
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