Dortha L. Jones

Dortha L. Jones “beloved mother and grandmother”

PORT ALLEGANY, Pa.----Dortha L. “Dee” Jones, 78, of Port Allegany and a former longtime resident of Roulette, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2022, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.

Born on Wednesday, November 17, 1943 in Erie, she was a daughter of Richard and Marjorie Wilson Connors.

Dee was a graduate of East High School in Erie. She was employed by Help Mates as a caregiver. She was the owner of the former La Dee Da’s in Coudersport and was the co-owner of the former God’s Country Furniture Store in Roulette.

Dee was very involved as one of the of the organizers of the Victorian Christmas Celebration in Coudersport for many years. She was a former board member of A Way Out in Coudersport. She had run for several political offices throughout the years. Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was happiest when she was gambling---always looking for the next big win!

Dee was a strong woman, having beat multiple cancers, a heart attack, and many life adversities---she was amazingly resilient.

Left to cherish her memory are five children, Shawn (Pam) Aldrich of Port Allegany, Thajha Hixon-Bissius of Jensen Beach, Florida, Shane Aldrich of North Carolina, Jessica (Bryon Stebbins) Jones of Roulette, and James J. Jones of Bradford; fifteen grandchildren, Amber, Andrea, Ian, Daniel, Anthony, Jaden, Camerynn, Sage, Brystol, Lilli, Tanner, Jordan, Baylee, Kianna, and Raelyn; five great-grandchildren, Gage, Jacob, Blake, Hayden, and Paris; a brother, James Connors; two half sisters, Robin Hofer and Kelli Martino; a half brother, Michael Connors; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dee was predeceased by a son, Scott Aldrich; her longtime companion, Edmond “Eppie” Lacher; and two brothers, Robert and Richard.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life to share their special memories of Dee from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Roulette Fire Hall, 12 River Street, Roulette, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, 1001 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to A Way Out, 110 East Third Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Dee’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Dee, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.