Doris Castator

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home December 1, 2018. Born in Hamilton, Ohio on October 13, 1932, the daughter of Victor M. and Nople H. (Hurley) Gingrich. Raised in Reily Township and educated at the Reily School, she was a proud "Reily Bluebird" cheerleader and the salutatorian of her graduating class of 1950.

From her marriage to Joseph Cox in 1954 came two sons, Gregory Joseph and Mark Stephan Cox. Though the marriage would not endure, and at a time when divorce was not common, with grace, and grit, and determination, she raised her sons as a single parent until her marriage to Howard Castator in 1969.

She was a dedicated employee at Champion Papers from 1958-1992, the first ever female sales service representative and longest tenured. Following her retirement, she joined Grace United Methodist Church in 1995 where she pursued a variety of activities, served on several committees, and was membership and financial secretary for nearly 18 years. Home and family were of utmost importance in her life and the focus of her love. Her home was adorned with her favorite things; precious moments figurines, butterflies, angels, and wooden gifts from her son. She enjoyed watching golf (as long as it was Tiger Woods), dancing, and working in her yard. She would decorate her home inside and out according to the season.

Her favorite time of year was Christmas, and every aspect was her delight, from the shopping and wrapping gifts to preparing favorite foods and desserts, surrounded by music, friends, and family.

She bravely accepted her cancer diagnosis from a hospital bed. She decided that the best treatment would be to get her hair done and watch "Dancing with the Stars." Now, she is dancing in the stars.

She was preceded in death by many loved ones besides her parents; husband, Howard Castator; son, Gregory Cox; sister, Andre’ Hoover and husband, Giles; brother, Dale Gingrich and wife, Eleanor; and brother-in-law, Ralph Hornung Sr. She is survived by her son, Mark S. Cox and fiancé, Judy Odell; sister, Gaye Hornung; grandchildren, Michelle Cox and Shawna Hoover; great grandchildren, Tyler, Alivia, and Evan Hoover, many nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation Saturday, December 8, 2018 11-12pm at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Ave, Hamilton OH 45013. Funeral ceremony will follow at 12pm with Pastor Randy Stearns officiating. Burial will be at Springdale Cemetery, Reily, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest memorials to; Grace United Methodist Church, 1200 Main St., Hamilton Ohio 45013 or Shared Harvest Food Bank. Special thank you’s to Dr. Jennifer Winters and Dr. Raj Karnik for many years of care and kindness.