Carolyn Sally (Mergler) Dartt

Carolyn Mergler Dartt passed away March 14, 2021 in her home surrounded by her family at the age of 87.  She was born September 22, 1933 to Jack and Sarahmae (Oliver) Mergler and graduated from Julienne Catholic High School in 1951.

Carolyn attended the University of Dayton where she met the love of her life, Donald James (Don) Dartt, Sr. and they married in June of 1954.  Shortly after marrying, she and Don traveled to his United States Army assignments in Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Lewis, Washington, where she gave birth to the first of their six children.

She was an elementary school teacher for two years before deciding to dedicate herself to being a fulltime mom.  Her greatest joy was her family.  She and Don raised six kids and had ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Carolyn, while not an athlete herself, was a huge sports fan, closely following all of her kids in their athletic endeavors, the Michigan Wolverines, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dayton Flyers and her beloved University of Toledo Rockets.  Such an intense fan, she kept her own box scores of Toledo men’s and women’s basketball games while listening to their games on the radio.  On Saturday afternoons in the fall, she would have her Maize and Blue towel and musical pompon out to cheer on the Wolverines.  On Sundays, it shifted to her Terrible Towel and her black and gold Steelers outfits.

She was heavily involved in the annual LPGA stop in Sylvania, Ohio, the Marathon Classic presented by Dana (formerly the Jamie Farr Classic), serving as a volunteer for 35 years.  For most of that time, she was credentials director.  She was loved by fellow volunteers, LPGA players and celebrities alike.

Always a faithful Christian, she loved attending Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and volunteering in many events and roles there.  She also starred in several Blessed Sacrament plays, including the female lead role of Aunt Eller in “Oklahoma” in 1980.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Don, son Donald, Jr., granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Dartt, sister Jean (Mergler) Kavanaugh and nieces Meredith Mergler and Lisa (Kavanaugh) Fields.  She is survived by children Steve (Pam), Ellen Columber, Mike, Chris and Thom; grandchildren Rachel (Steve) Bisesi, Alex (Jessica) Dartt, Geoff (Jan) Dartt, Emily (Troy) Bannister, Andrea (Rob) Carrell, Brittany Columber, Justin (Tahaya) Columber, Deborah Bell, Amanda (Brian) Hill, Caroline (Josh) Jablonski and Laura Masimore; eight great-grandchildren.

Friends and family may gather for a limited visitation (masks must be worn, 30 guests in the funeral home at a time, and social distancing will be observed inside facilities; please limit visiting to 10 min. or less so others may come in to pay their respects)  Thursday, March 18 from 4:00 -7:00 PM where funeral prayers will be offered Friday at 10:30 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Memorial tributes may be made to ProMedica Hospice.

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