Dolly L. Thayer, 65, of Port Clinton, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 12, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 22, 1954 in Port Clinton, the daughter of Willard and Mabel (Wilburn) Royster. She married Norman E. Thayer on Oct. 24, 1981 and he preceded her in death on July 21, 2017.

Dolly loved her family and friends and would do anything to help anyone. She was a caring wife who loved her husband and was by his side until his last breath 3 years ago this month, July 2017. Her favorite hobby and greatest joy was watching her granddaughter, Thea, play basketball. Dolly was employed at Bergman Orchards, seasonally, for the past 4 years. She enjoyed working in the greenhouse and being around friends, whom she considered more like family. Patty and Dan Bergman were a huge part of her life. Outside of work, Dolly made sure to take advantage of each day and live life to the fullest. She was a member of the Port Clinton Elks Lodge 1718, where she enjoyed gathering with friends and family in our community. She spent the past 3 winters traveling through numerous states, visiting relatives and friends from Texas to Florida. Dolly spent her last years truly doing whatever her heart desired. From hiking 14 miles of the Appalachian Trail, zip lining, casino trips, and deep-sea fishing – letting only kindness and the wind guide her journey.

Dolly was a huge advocate and volunteer for the Salvation Army. The following is something she wrote when she got sick with cancer:

“If any of my family and friends find it in their heart to honor me in any small way, please consider donating to The Salvation Army of Ottawa County. We have so many wonderful people, neighbors and friends that struggle from time to time and could use some help. Who knows, it could be you one day. I have always been a believer to help our own! I love you all”

Surviving are her daughter: Valerie (Heath Krupp) Thayer of Port Clinton; grandchildren: Thea Wybensinger, Whitney Krupp; mother: Mabel Royster of Oak Harbor; siblings: Jody (Kim) Royster of Castalia, Willard “Jr” (Jean) Royster of Oak Harbor, Carlotta (Tim) Stancil of Fremont; special friends: Ceil Mahr and Barboura Krupp; nieces and nephews: Maria Konoff, Jenny (Brian) Fiorletta, Mike Claus, Elizabeth Royster, Marty Royster, Jennifer (Paul) Faisant, Jamie Torrenti, Bridget (Christian) Brander; step-children: Mark Thayer of Clyde, Michelle (Terry) Foster of South Carolina; step-grandchildren: Brent, Blake and Brady Thayer, Haley and Sidney Foster; step-great-grandson: Ryder Thayer. She was preceded in death by her husband: Norman; father: Willard Royster; half-sister: Ella Mae Christie and sister-in-law: Darlene Claus.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1124 Fulton St. Port Clinton, Ohio where visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Catawba Island Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Salvation Army of Ottawa County, 1834 E. Perry St. Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.