Mary Dorothy "Dottie" (McLaughlin) Selden

Mary Dorothy “Dottie” McLaughlin Selden, 93, went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2023, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home, Edgewood, Iowa. She was born on April 14, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late James McLaughlin and Alice Wren Cox McLaughlin. Dottie trusted Christ as her Savior and was baptized when she was thirteen. She graduated from Ridley Park High School, Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, in 1948, and Philadelphia School of the Bible in 1951.

Dottie married David Selden on September 20, 1952, and celebrated more than 64 years of marriage.  She earned a bachelor’s degree from Lake Erie College, Painesville, Ohio, in 1978, and a Master of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in 1988. Dottie worked alongside Dave as a missionary with Baptist Mid-Missions in Alaska, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio, and France. They lived at Missionary Acres near Silva, Missouri, for more than 35 years, where Dottie taught at Greenville Elementary for 18 years, wrote interesting local biographies for the Wayne County Journal Banner, and served in various community and educational organizations. 

Dottie was a beloved teacher, a gifted athlete, and a wonderful storyteller. She was known for her laughter, wisdom, generosity, and quick wit.  Her consistent life and faith have influenced innumerable persons and have contributed to the Family of God.

 Preceding Dottie in death are her husband, David H. Selden; parents, James McLaughlin and Alice Wren Cox McLaughlin Landis; sisters, Ruth H. Stamboolian, Martha L. Heisner, and Florence G. Reese Voshell; brother, Charles Cox; son, Jonathan Paul Selden; son-in-law, C. Randall Wheelus; granddaughter, Christina Wheelus; grandson, David Wheelus; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Joanna, and Emilie. 

Dottie is survived by her children, Susan (Bruce) Klett of Strawberry Point, Iowa, David (Sue) Selden of Reese, Michigan, Rebecca Kuhn, of Cedarville, Ohio, Deborah (Michael) Paradis of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and Lydia Wheelus of Tucson, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Annette (Wallborn) Selden Gyson of Grand Rapids, Michigan; brother, James McLaughlin, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a great-grandson to be born in October.

A memorial service will be held June 15, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church, Cedarville, Ohio, with inurnment to follow at the North Cemetery, Cedarville, Ohio.

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