Dinah Joy Schwartzkopf's Obituary
Dinah Schwartzkopf of Xenia, Ohio, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Thursday, December 25, 2025, following various health complications. She was born on October 5, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of the late John and Mary Kay Czotter.
Dinah was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Kenneth (Ken) Schwartzkopf, who passed away in December of 2021. She is survived by her son, John, and his wife, Jennifer; her son, James "Jim", and his wife, Jessica; grandson, Alex, and his wife, Alyssa; granddaughter, Natalie; granddaughter, Sarah; grandson, Blake; her sister, Byrdie Lorenz, and her husband, Stan; as well as extended family members, all of whom she loved dearly.
Dinah graduated from Bellbrook High School and later from Ashland University, where she earned a Degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach first and second grades in Kettering City Schools for five years. Although she loved teaching, Dinah retired from full-time work after the birth of her first child.
Dinah was a super devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She lovingly cared for her parents four to five days per week in their later years, and she and Ken then later cared for their grandsons several days per week while they were young. Dinah absolutely adored her sons and grandchildren!
In addition to caring for her family, Dinah enjoyed cooking (and was excellent at it), sewing, playing all sorts of games (including competitive Bridge), and singing. She was a proud member of Dayton’s Gem City Chorus for more than 20 years, one of the most decorated choruses in women’s barbershop history. Dinah’s legacy will live on through the family she cherished and the many acts of love she wove into the world.
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the exceptional care and kindness provided to Dinah by Ruthe Ann Lillich over the last four years.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Connor & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook, Ohio (92 W. Franklin St.), with a funeral service to follow immediately thereafter, officiated by Pastor Josh Bevan of Lighthouse Baptist Church. Dinah will be laid to rest next to her husband at Bellbrook Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Dinah’s honor to either Day City Hospice (7601 Paragon Rd., Dayton, OH) or Lighthouse Baptist Church (2040 W. 2nd St., Xenia, OH). Condolences at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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