Dorothy Okuley, 77, died peacefully in her sleep early Monday morning at Defiance Mercy Hospital, after a long battle with Parkinson disease. Born Dorothy Jean Bauer to Hank and Anna Bauer in Defiance on March 5, 1931, she was a loving wife and mother of nine children. She grew up on Grove Street, and attended St. John Catholic Church almost her entire life. She married Nelson Okuley September 3, 1949. They had lived in rural Defiance County, near Ayersville, since 1965. In their 59 years of marriage, Nelson and Dorothy had a loving relationship that was their strength through many joyful and trying times. For us, mom was the kind of mother that her children would hope to have and hope to be. Dorothy was especially proud of her children, offering ready support, a soft shoulder, and a firm word as needed. Her children are: Jeannette Okuley of Ann Arbor, (Patrick, Anne, Sean); Steve of Ayersville; Susan and CP Foster of Sabinsville, Pa. (JT, Jeff, Matt, and Rebecca); Karen and Ray Clemens of Defiance; Mary and Rob Simons of Whitehouse (Laura, Michelle, Daniel); Angie Gehardinger of Toledo (Jim); Cindy and Bob Huffman of Weston (Katelin, Andrew); John Okuley and Gina Langen of Columbus (Adam); Joe Okuley and Kim Selvage of Ashley. In all, from her six girls and three boys, she was blessed with fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. As she grew older was less able to get about, Mom still loved to spend time with her family, over many meals, and many games of tripoly, hearts and euchre. No matter how many were at the table, Dorothy always made certain that there was plenty to eat, and that all were welcome. Dort is survived by her sister Pat and brother-in-law Karl Steinberger of rural Defiance, sister-in-law Joan Bauer, of Defiance, and sister-in-law Eva Lou Bauer of Florida She was preceded in death by her brothers Bill and Jim Bauer, and sister Mary Wilhelm. Dorothy was active in her church, and made herself an example to her children of service and charity. She loved to sew, and for a time worked outside her home at the former Needlewoman fabric store. She was a member of St. John's Parish Council, CL of C's and Christian Mother's. For years she was close to her friends at the Ayersville Homemaker's. She was not perfect, but human, setting an example of faith, grace, and love for those that knew and loved her. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Friend, Dorothy will be greatly missed, and in our prayers. Visiting hours are 3-8 Wednesday at the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home where there will be a scripture service at 7:30 P:M Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Thursday, December 11 at 12:00 Noon. Burial at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Central Ohio Parkinson's Association.