Dolores "Dody" Ruosch, 97 of Valparaiso passed away on the 13th of March, 2026. She was born March 7, 1929 in Waukegan, IL, the daughter of Carl and Esther Ruosch. Her mother, father and sister, Charlene Mcintyre, preceded her in death. She graduated as Valedictorian from Waukegan Township High School in 1947. After graduation, Dody attended Valparaiso University where she earned a B.S. in Psychology and Business. She then did graduate work in Education from Indiana University while she taught elementary school in Kouts, Indiana. In 1954, she moved to Long Beach, California to continue teaching and received her Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Southern California in 1957. She continued her post graduate work at U.C.L.A.
In 1961, Dody began her career as Dean of Women and Director of Sorority Affairs at Valparaiso University. Later, she was asked to also teach part time in the Education Department and received the rank of Associate Professor of Education. She was on numerous committees and adviserships during her 36 years at Valparaiso University.
She was a past president of the Indiana Association of Women Deans and Counselors and held a variety of professional memberships and offices. She was the first woman president of United Way of Porter County. Dody was on the Board of Directors of The Salvation Army, and it had always remained her favorite charity. She was on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Post Tribune. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and served on their School Board and on other committees. She was a member of the Honorary Societies Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, Mortar Board, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was listed in many honorary organizations.
After Dody announced her retirement, on the 27th day of June, 1995 she was driven to City Hall by a fireman on top of a former fire truck with the bell clanging. The mayor appeared and presented Dody with a large gold framed Proclamation. Part of the quotes on the long Proclamation were, "Whereas Dean Dody has provided counsel and guidance and has been a lifelong advocate for students and, in particular young women, who have benefitted by her care and concern for their well-being in both social and academic goals and achievements and "Whereas, Dean Dody has been a positive influence on all students who have had good fortune to have been touched by her words and her deeds", I Mayor David Butterfield, declare this day to be Dean Dody Day.
In 2006, she endowed a Valparaiso University Scholarship for a woman student with a need for financial assistance to complete her education.
Dody was the recipient of many awards. Her favorites were the O.P. Kretzmann Award which, in 1995-96, she was recognized for her long and dedicated service to VU. President Otto Paul Kretzann was the reason she returned to VU in 1961. In 2009, to celebrate VU's 150th anniversary year, the VU Alumni Association sponsored a survey to name The Top 150 Most Influential Valparaiso University People in Those 150 years. Dody was named as one of them. At the Centennial Sorority Celebration at Valparaiso University's Homecoming in October of 2017, the PanHellenic and Interfraternity Councils named Dean Dody as the inaugural inductee into the Laurel Wreath Society award for her contribution to Greek life and her "advocacy" of women.
During her retirement years, she enjoyed volunteering, reading, hiking, playing golf and bridge, traveling, gardening and classes at the "Y''.
Survivors include her many close friends who have become her family since she had lost all immediate family and relatives.
A Memorial Visitation will be held April 18, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 North Monticello Park Drive., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 AM. Private interment will be at the North Shore Garden of Memories, 18th and Green Bay Road, North Chicago, Illinois. Memorials may be made to Valparaiso University- "The Dolores (Dody) M. Ruosch Endowed Scholarship" or to Immanuel Lutheran Church - "The Student Tuition Assistance Fund."
GUESTBOOK
-Marilyn Schroer
Dean Dody’s unwavering commitment to college students, and abiding faith served to inspire. I was blessed with the opportunity to work closely with Dean Dody as a leader on campus during my undergrad years at Valpo. As a steadfast mentor, she encouraged me and helped set me on my path to a career in higher education. Dean Dody was one of a kind. Reflecting on her life and myriad of contributions, Matthew 25:23 seems fitting: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” -Dr. Suzie Nagel-Bennett
My Dean of Women as a freshman student in 1961 - co-worker in later years - a friend and inspiration for life!!!! I will miss you, my friend. -Sharon (Franzen) Hersemann
Loving thoughts with smiles and laughter remembering an energetic, intelligent, kind, funny woman who was a role model, mentor to many. I was blessed to be part of her RA program, as well as being a student in her methods class for Elementary Education. She was always supportive, positive, encouraging with a brilliant wit. How she loved Valparaiso University!- Cheryl Taves
