Doris Rosamond Constantine (née Sheinker) late of Kettering, passed away Aug. 1 at age 98, after a very full life of love, family, and friendship. Doris was a caring wife, beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and a loyal and loved friend to many people in and around the Centerville, West Carrollton, and Washington Township area. Doris and her husband were founding members of Temple Beth Or and active in the Jewish community. Doris was originally from Chelsea, Mass., the daughter of Albert and Rita Sheinker, and was married to Bernard Constantine for 52 years until his passing in 2003. She had moved to Muncie, Ind. with Bernard in the 1950s, where their children were born and eventually, they ended up in West Carrollton, and then Washington Township. Doris was predeceased by husband Bernard, son Mark, brother Melvin, Aunt Mariam, and other family and friends. Aside from caring for her husband, Doris enjoyed cooking, playing dominoes and mah jongg, and creating beautiful stained-glass pieces at Hithergreen Senior Center, where she was also an active volunteer and could be found manning the front desk on Fridays. Doris is survived by her children Richard (Patricia), Michael and Beth (Bruce), her grandchildren Gabrielle, Morgan and Jake, and niece Lee and other family members. Interment was at David’s Cemetery beside her late husband. Donations suggested to Temple Beth Or, Hospice, or Diabetes Dayton.

Betty Barbara Crouse (nee Kurs) age 94 of Kettering, passed away July 16 at Hospice of Dayton. Betty was born on March 4, 1931 in Albany, N.Y. and raised in Mechanicville, the smallest city in the state. She was the only child of Louis and Rae (Freedman) Kurs for 11 years before welcoming her beloved brother, Howard. A bright, energetic child and an exceptional student, Betty sang, danced, and played the violin. Her love of music and the performing arts was a lifelong passion, from participating in college orchestras and chorales to her unwavering support of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Betty graduated as salutatorian of her high school class and went on to attend Syracuse University and Buffalo State Teacher’s College. where she earned her degree in elementary education. While at Buffalo, she met the love of her life, Melvin D. Crouse. They married two years later and moved to Kirksville, Mo. while he completed medical school. Betty taught elementary school in New York, Missouri, and Dayton, and later managed the office of their busy general practice in Kettering. Betty often reflected, “We were friends and lovers for 55 years and had a wonderful life.” Betty was a devoted and cherished member of the auxiliary to the Dayton Osteopathic Academy, serving as a role model and mentor to generations of physicians’ partners and spouses. She was also a passionate antique clock and watch collector and enjoyed her involvement with local and state collectors’ organizations. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin D. Crouse, D.O. She is survived by her brother, Howard Kurs (Arlene) of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., as well as her close friends and confidantes, Glenda Wollenhaupt, Claire Berks, and Craig Ankney. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue Sisterhood, Hospice of Dayton, or the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra — causes close to her heart. Though Betty may be gone from us, her spirit, warmth, and legacy will never be forgotten.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Goldstein, a devoted husband, father, brother, and retired United States Air Force lieutenant colonel, who passed away peacefully on July 27 at the age of 84. Born and raised in Freehold, N.J., Michael dedicated his life to service, both to his country and his community. After an accomplished career in the U. S. Air Force, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, Michael retired with honor and pride. His dedication to duty was matched only by his devotion to his family and his dedication to the Jewish community of Dayton. Michael was the beloved husband of Rochelle Goldstein, who preceded him in death. They shared 60 years of love and partnership. He was the proud father to Ellen, Eric and David, grandfather of five, and a loving brother to his sister, Joan. Michael found great joy and meaning in his Jewish heritage and took special joy in being part of the Beth Abraham Synagogue community. His presence and activity there was a source of inspiration and strength to many. Michael will long be remembered for his bustling energy, adventurous spirit, love of learning, and dedication to his family, community and country. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue or a veteran’s organization of your choice. May his memory be a blessing.

Harold Gregory Nelson, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on July 19 at the age of 81. Born on June 16, 1944, Harold lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family. Harold graduated from the University of Iowa in 1967 with a degree in chemical engineering. He devoted his entire career to the paper industry, where his expertise in environmental management was highly valued. Harold lost his wife of 47 years, Camilla, in 2021. They enjoyed several decades together raising their children, traveling through the western United States, and enjoying their grandchildren. Harold is survived by his two sons, Adam and Josh, their spouses, Betty and Kelly, and his four grandchildren, Peyton, Katie, Alex, and Parker. He found great joy in family gatherings where his warmth and kindness brightened the room. His strong bond with his sisters, Lauren and Joan, was a source of lifelong happiness. Harold was an avid reader and lifelong learner, something that he shared closely with his children. He was also passionate about education, participating in school board meetings, or writing letters to the local superintendent of schools advocating for improvements. Finally, Harold cared profoundly for his country. He was never shy about writing letters to his senators regarding the national debt and other issues, or engaging in spirited debates on politics and current events with friends and family. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and kindness—a life well lived and an example to his children and grandchildren. Harold will be dearly missed. The family asks that donations be made to AMVETS in Harold’s memory.

Edie (Edith Rae) Pequignot (née Wollin) of Washington Township passed away July 22 at age 90, after a full and bounteous life of love, family, friendship, and faith. Edie was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a treasured daughter, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and a loyal and greatly loved friend to countless souls whose myriad paths she crossed as a Cincinnati-born daughter of Louis and Pearl Wollin, a widely travelled Air Force wife to her husband, Jim, and finally, in her over five decades as a Daytonian and dedicated member of its Jewish community that was home to her faith and much of her vibrant social life. Edie cared deeply about the less fortunate, donated often, followed and liked to talk politics, worked at the polls, and served as secretary to Hadassah. She enjoyed reading, movies and TV, loved nature — especially elephants — hosted endless parties, barbecues, Thanksgivings, could never spend enough time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, formed deep friendships even in her final years, was a shockingly adept poker player, faithfully lit the Chanukah candles, and would wait for one of her kids to light the grill and start the cookout. She was a warm and welcoming hostess who loved to entertain, a consummate baker whose delicious cakes, cookies, pies, and cheesecake lovingly fattened up family and friends, and she made the best tuna salad Starkist has ever known. Edie was a good and loyal friend and empathetic listener who gave frequently, selflessly and generously of her time and attention. Dispenser of motherly wisdom, quips and jokes, late-night talks, above all, Edie showered laughter, love, smiles, and devotion on her friends and family. She grieved deeply over those she lost, as we now will grieve over you, Edie, and miss you terribly. Yet we are grateful beyond measure for your long and loving life, your vitally playful and joyful and beautiful spirit. You were and are loved by many, and your memory will forever be a blessing, our mother, our friend, our dear and beloved Edie. Edie was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Pearl; sisters, Shirley and Marion; husband, James; son Glenn; niece Beverly; and nephews Mathew and Michael; and many other family and friends. Edie is survived by her children Steve, Don, and Janel; her grandchildren, Jonathan, Brian, and Isabelle; her great-grandchildren, Eli, Judah, Zach, Naomi, Lydia, Brynn, and Everly; her daughters-in-law, Lynne Hertzog, Livia Treviño, Sabina Dean and her husband David; and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Donations suggested to Dayton Hadassah or your local food bank, House of Bread, or Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Lawrence A. Wagenfeld, age 91, passed away July 22. Lawrence was born in Newark, N.J., and moved to Dayton in 1960. He was a lifelong member of Beth Abraham Synagogue. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Sheila, and his parents Morris and Jeanette Wagenfeld. Beloved father of Steven and Taryn Wagenfeld and Richard and Hilary Wagenfeld. Beloved grandfather of Brandon, Alexis, and Jordan. Lawrence had many cherished friendships over his 60-plus years living in Dayton. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Jeremy A. Watts, age 49 of Huber Heights, passed away peacefully July 18 at Hospice of Dayton. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jodi Watts; and his son, Brandon Watts; along with his mother, Sharon Wright (Ron) and his father, Sidney Watts (and the late Betty Watts); brothers, Joshua Watts (Amy), Michael Watts (Carla), and Phillip Watts (Nicole); sister, Rhonda Wright (Bill Effner); mother-in-law Cindy Pretekin (Jeff Froelich and the late Ron Pretekin); brothers-in-law Brian Pretekin (Ria), Dan Pretekin (Susie); and numerous nieces, nephews and many other relatives. Jeremy was devoted to his family, but also loved sports and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, Dayton Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

To read the complete September 2025 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.