Virginia Martsolf Dodds

Virginia M. Dodds, 86, of Cranberry Township, passed away, Friday, January 7, 2011 at Heritage Valley Hospital, Beaver Campus. Virginia was born February 9, 1924 in Conway, daughter of the late Kenneth and May (Welsh) Martsolf. She was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School, Class of 1942.

In her early adult life, Virginia had been employed at Ingrich, Beaver Falls and later Sunnyside Coal Company, Darlington. She was a loving wife and mother and always involved in the lives of her children. Virginia enjoyed music and had been a past member of the singing group The Belle-Aires; and also the Beaver Valley Choral Society. A faithful member of the First Primitive Methodist Church, Beaver Falls, Virginia felt blessed to serve as the Minister of Music, directing the choir and accompanying congregational singing playing the piano or organ. While living in Cranberry, she became a member of the Oak Hill Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years: Robert W. Dodds, Jr., December 3, 2009.

Virginia is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Alan (Cheryl) Dodds, Sheboygan Falls, WI; Rev. John (Kris) Dodds, Shiloh, OH; one daughter and son-in-law: Marilyn (Paul) Black, Cranberry Township; eight grandchildren: Evan (Dr. Jodi) Dodds, Charlotte, NC; Doug (Rachel) Black, Altoona; Joanie Dodds, Los Angeles, CA; Martha (Adam) Paalman, Neenah, WI; Lori (David) Pauloski, Conway; Jennifer Dodds, Ellwood City; Dr. Catherine Dodds, Boston, MA; Erin Dodds, Shiloh, OH; seven great grandchildren: Elle Curcio; Gabriel and Caroline Dodds; Harley and Cooper Pauloski; Avery and Camden Black; and two brothers and sisters-in-law: Harold (Jennifer) Martsolf, Ladson, SC; Willard (Colleen) Martsolf, Beloit, OH.

Friends will be received Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). Her funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, in the funeral home, with her son: The Rev. John Dodds, officiating. Private interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the First Primitive Methodist Church, 1154 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Online condolences may be offered at: www.saul-gabauer.com