Obituary of Dorothy Ann Romine

Dorothy “Dottie” Romine, age 81, of Kalona, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Dottie was born on February 8, 1945 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She began cleaning at a beauty shop when she was 14.  She attended Beauty school the summer between her Junior and Senior years of high school, finishing her schooling after she graduated.  Dottie began working in the same store that she used to clean.

Dottie met Ronald Romine in the Spring of 1964.  They were united in marriage that Fall.

As time went by, she acquired a building through a trade and opened a women’s clothing store. She traveled to Minneapolis to purchase clothing for the store.  Two years later, Dottie sold the business and building.

Ron and Dottie built a strip mall in Marion, where she started a 22 Flavor Ice Cream store.  Dottie also held a real estate license and led the way, working with Ron.

Dottie was always looking for a challenge, from skiing the mountains in Colorado to houseboating on the Mississippi.  She loved her trips to the islands and down the river from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungry.  She also enjoyed her 22 years spent in Arizona at Towerpoint, where she taught water aerobics and played “Dottieball”, a game she made up and is still played there today.

Per Dottie’s wishes no services are planned.  To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com. 

“To all the people I’ve met and became friends, Thanks! Keep me in your heart for a while.” Love, Dottie