Mary Ann Krauss

Mary Ann Dorsey Krauss, loving matriarch to her family and the Upper Arlington community died Friday, May 31 surrounded by her family. She will be remembered for her multitude of accomplishments packed into 86 years of life.

Mary Ann was born on March 15,1938, and was the first child of John B Dorsey and Loreen Mohler Dorsey. She was raised on a working cattle farm in Stet, Missouri where she learned to read when she was just three years of age. This began her path to lifelong learning. She graduated from Stephens College in 1957, and later graduated from the University of Missouri in 1959 where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and served as Chapter President. She earned a Master's Degree in textiles and design from Oklahoma State University. After graduation, she began her career in teaching home economics and textiles at Ohio State University and Wittenberg University.

Throughout her lifetime, she prided herself on her hand-tailored clothing she created. She was particularly proud of the four wedding dresses she lovingly made for her children. Her sewing room was her getaway for creating masterpieces. While traveling throughout the world, she always returned with fabric. This resulted in literally a lifetime collection of dream projects.

Family meals were of the utmost importance to Mary Ann. She expected everyone to take a seat at the table she had set with fresh flowers, china and silver. Over the years, she happily welcomed countless people for meals that were often finished with one of her delicious pies. She loved to share creations from her kitchen for all to enjoy.

Mary Ann had a devotion to serve. She was an advocate for all people and a collaborator who brought people together to reach common goals. She served as a member of UA Board of Education from 1982-1990, was a member of the State Superintendent Council, and the Franklin County Education Council. While serving in these roles she focused on elevating curriculum and had the courage to make tough decisions to move schools forward. After noticing a void of childcare centers within the city, she started a fundraising effort that created the Burbank Early Childhood school in 1985; an accomplishment that continues to serve the community today.

As one of the originators of the Upper Arlington Education Foundation, Mary Ann was a pioneer in establishing a connection between public schools and private foundations. UAEF was one of the first of its kind in Central Ohio and to this day it continues to provide grants, educational opportunities and ambitious projects to support student growth. Additionally, she pioneered the Upper Arlington Community Foundation as a charter member. Appointed to a vacant seat on the Upper Arlington City Council in 2003, she was then re-elected for two additional terms leading local government.

Mary Ann saw a vision from start to finish, even if it took decades.This was never more apparent than with her desire to create a Community Center in Upper Arlington. She was not bound by time or the difficulty of her goal. In 1981 she began a campaign for the City of Upper Arlington. After several failed campaigns, this project finally broke ground in 2023. Although she did not live to see final completion, the bricks and mortar are being put in place and the Upper Arlington Community Center will soon have its grand opening--a day she would have cherished.

Mary Ann was fundamental in preserving one of the last historic barns within the city limits. While fundraising for the project, she helped coordinate having the Legg barn disassembled and stored on her farm in Delaware County. Later it was relocated and incorporated into the unique timber structure now known as the Amelita Mirolo Barn--a lasting and unique community space to be enjoyed for years to come.

Whether a big or small job such as leading a major capital campaign or preparing food for a friend’s funeral - she lived her faith with humility and grace as a member of First Community Church for over 50 years. She believed that fellowship involves stewardship and followed this philosophy as she served all aspects of the church. She was a member of numerous councils and committees including Women’s Guild Group 7, FCC Governing board, First Community Foundation, Couple's Circle 29, and Co-chair of the Capital Campaign.

Her strands of service continued with Upper Arlington Rotary. She was a trailblazer being one of the first four female members invited to join the club. She traveled to Guatemala repeatedly where she initiated a small business program for women. She truly enjoyed her interactions with fellow Rotarians whether impacting locally or worldwide.

Throughout her life, Mary Ann advocated for people of all ages. She was active as a board member for Hannah Neil Home for Children and Starr Commonwealth, ADAMH, I Am Boundless, Boundless Health, National Church Residences and First Community Village to name a few. She was a proud member of PEO Chapter BX, Wednesday Literary Club, Upper Arlington Roundtable, and numerous other organizations in which people were blessed to have her as a mentor, collaborator and a friend. She graciously shared her wisdom and insight making sure that each person was heard and treated with respect and to see challenges as opportunities.

Mary Ann is survived by her four children: Dr William D Krauss (Erin), Susan E Krauss (Jay Wuebbold), John F Krauss (Michelle), and Katherine K Ryan (Douglas); nine grandchildren: Robert D Krauss, Thomas A Krauss, William C Krauss, Elizabeth Z Wuebbold, John C Krauss, Clayton E Krauss, Mary R Krauss, Margaret A Ryan and Douglas W Ryan; Sister: Sue D Durrett; Brother-in-Law: Carl F Krauss and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 40 years Dr William R Krauss, parents John and Loreen Dorsey, brother-in-law A Overton Durrett, and sister-in-law Gladys W Krauss.

The loss of Mary Ann will create a void for many. She was comfortable in any setting from her rural homestead to global travel. She heightened the quality of life for her family, her community and the world.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, July 12 at Scioto Country Club, 2196 Riverside Dr. A Memorial Service will take place at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, on Saturday, July 13 at 3pm, where family will receive friends after. The live stream of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woe8lVizq40. Private interment at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Upper Arlington Community Foundation, 3600 Tremont Rd Upper Arlington, OH 43221; Upper Arlington Rotary Foundation PO 12013 Columbus, OH 43212; or a charity of your choice.