Cecilia Hitzel

Cecilia “Dolly” Hitzel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in the comfort of her own bed, just as she would have wanted. She was 92 years old. Dolly’s 92 years were filled with family, faith, hard work, laughter, and a lifetime of memories shared with the many people who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Richard B. Hitzel, her partner in life and the man with whom she built their family and shared so many cherished years.
She is survived by her children, Richard “Rick” Hitzel (Mary) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Patricia “Trish” Woodard (Brian) of New Concord, Ohio; and Douglas “Doug” Hitzel (Trudy) of Cambridge, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her sons, Mark Hitzel (Kari Burke) of Cambridge, Ohio, and Donald “Don” Hitzel of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dolly’s family continued to grow through her grandchildren: Lewis “Louie” Hitzel (Danielle) of Iowa; Heather Brooks (Seth) of Oklahoma; Janessa Melott (Daniel) of Oklahoma; Kali Harris (Josh) of Ohio; Emily Terrell of Ohio; Katie Cram (Phillip) of Arizona; and Tyler Hitzel (Audrey) of Ohio.
She was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy: Addison and McKenzie Hitzel; Carson, Ian, and Harper Brooks; Aaron and Chloe Melott; Quentin Harris; Madilyn Terrell; Heath Cram; and Zayn Hitzel.
Dolly is also survived by her siblings, Kathleen “Kate” Fenlason (the late James “Jim”) of Madison, Ohio; Hazel Koreen (the late William “Bill”) of Largo, Florida; Edwin “Ed” Palmer (the late Patricia “Pat”) of Austintown, Ohio; Thomas “Tom” Palmer (Patricia “Pat”) of Senecaville, Ohio; and Monica Sedlak (Joe) of Chapel Hill, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Palmer (the late Lorraine) of Berlin Center, Ohio, and James “Jim” Palmer (Yollie) of Selmar, California.
Her family extended far beyond the names listed here, including many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who held a special place in her life and heart.
Throughout her life, Dolly was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She spent many years serving her community through her work with the Guernsey County Juvenile Court, Guernsey County Highway Department, and Cambridge Municipal Court. She later worked at Reisbeck’s Bakery, where she eventually retired. No matter where she worked, Dolly’s familiar smile and love of conversation made it easy for her to turn coworkers and customers into friends.
Her faith was also an important and steadfast part of her life. Dolly was a longtime member of Christ Our Light Parish in Cambridge, formerly St. Benedict Catholic Church. Her faith remained a source of strength throughout her life, carrying her through both life’s greatest joys and its most difficult losses. It was a faith she held closely and one that remained with her throughout her 92 years.
Dolly found her greatest joy in the simple things that brought people together. She loved get-togethers and family reunions and never passed up an opportunity to dance. Her home was always a gathering place, where everyone was welcomed “out at the house” and there was always room for one more.
She could often be found outside mowing the grass with a cold beer in hand, enjoying the sunshine on the deck, or in the kitchen making her famous spaghetti sauce (and, of course, you couldn’t forget the salad). These were the little things that became traditions and memories her family will carry with them forever.
Perhaps most unforgettable was Dolly herself: her lasting smile, her lipstick always in tow, her playful habit of pinching backsides, and the warmth she brought wherever she went. She had a way of making ordinary moments memorable, and those are the moments her family will miss most.
Above all, Dolly lived for her family. She believed in enjoying the life she was given, and she did just that. She had fun, she danced, she laughed, she loved deeply, and she weathered her share of hardships along the way. She had the gift of watching her family grow through generations, from her children and grandchildren to her great-grandchildren, and there was nothing she treasured more.
Dolly also believed you should never leave the house without your lipstick on or clean underwear (because you just never knew). It was practical advice delivered with the kind of humor and personality that was unmistakably hers.
Dolly lived a full 92 years. Not every season was easy, but she embraced the life she was given, loved her family fiercely, held tightly to her faith, and found plenty of reasons to smile along the way. And perhaps that is the best way to remember Dolly: enjoy the sunshine, never miss a chance to dance, and keep your family close, always.
A private graveside service will be held for immediate family on Saturday, September 26th. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to gather in celebration of Dolly’s life at 1:00 p.m. at Mr. Lee’s Restaurant, 2000 East Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, Ohio. Please share memories to Dolly’s online guest book and tribute wall at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.