by Katelyn Dotson, Guest Writer
Dorothy Montgomery’s 90th birthday was celebrated on Sunday, September 12. An Open House was held in her honor at McDonald’s Greenhouse and Corn Maze, located on Adamsville Road in Zanesville. McDonald’s Greenhouse and Corn Maze is run by Susan and James McDonald (Dorothy’s daughter and son-in-law), as well as her grandsons, Jack and Eli. One of the many guests that attended the Open House was Charlie Nichols, Dorothy’s late husband’s former roommate from college at Ohio State University.
In the year 1931, Dorothy came into this world in Cumberland, Ohio, located in the southeast part of Muskingum county. Her parents, Fred and Fronie Paisley Culbertson ran a stock farm. Dorothy grew up on the family farm which helped fuel her passion for 4-H. She pitched in, helping out in many ways learning to care for crops and the animals. Dorothy graduated from Meigs High School with a class of six in 1948. She earned her degree at Muskingum College for elementary education. She went on to teach at Duncan Falls Elementary and Pioneer Elementary School located in Zanesville. Dorothy married her husband, John, in 1953. In the 50s, Dorothy briefly transferred to Orlando, Florida, where her husband was stationed in the Air Force.
After returning to Ohio, Dorothy and John purchased a farm on Adamsville Road where Dorothy lives with her family. Her husband John passed away in 2014. They had two daughters who were their pride and joy, Nancy was born in 1971, and Susan was born in 1973. Sadly, in 1990, their daughter Nancy, who was a sophomore at Muskingum College, passed away due to a car accident. Their younger daughter, Susan, also went to Muskingum College. She continued her education at Capital University Law School. She is currently a partner at Gottlieb, Johnston, Beam and DalPonte, P.L.L.
In addition to being an educator, Dorothy has engaged with the community in several ways. As a child, Dorothy loved 4-H and played an active role in the organization. She has since been an advisor at Muskingum County 4-H Jr. Leadership Club for over 65 years. From 1993-2009, Dorothy was elected to the office of Muskingum County Commissioner for four terms. She was the second woman to hold the position. Dorothy attends Ark Spring Baptist Church in Chandlersville, Ohio where she has been active since a young age.
She has contributed much to her community over the past 90 years thanks to being blessed with good health. As she always says, “If you are part of your community, your community will be part of you.” Dorothy has been able to influence and help many people for over nine decades. The hundreds of friends and family who attended the Open House are proof of the many lives she’s positively impacted. Happy Birthday, Dorothy Montgomery!
Pictures provided by Susan McDonald.
