Angela Mae "Dolly" Ballotta Kaercher,90, of Niles, peacefully passed away on September 1, 2024 leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born in Niles on June 21, 1934, Dolly was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Agnes Cione Ballotta. From an early age, she exhibited musical talent like her father, becoming an accomplished pianist. Dolly was also an enthusiastic Cleveland Indians baseball fan, carefully  recording game scores and stats for her dad. She inherited her meticulous homemaking skills and keen sense of fashion from her mother. A 1952 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Dolly pursued higher education at Kent State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. During her time at Kent State, she was a member of  Alpha Xi Delta sorority and was honored as the university's 1956 Military Ball Queen. While in college, Dolly's sorority sister introduced her to David Kaercher, a handsome GI from McDonald, Ohio, who became her life partner on June 14, 1958. Together, they celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage, raising two daughters and enjoying and supporting the various activities of their children's and grandchildren's lives. Dolly dedicated 32 years to teaching in the Niles City Schools, where she made a lasting impact on countless students at Jefferson, Lincoln, and Bonham Elementary Schools. She was a devoted and creative educator, known for organizing plays and special programs. Dolly especially loved teaching 5th grade, as it allowed her to share her passion for American history.

In retirement, Dolly continued to serve her community by volunteering at the Thomas House, teaching CCD, and judging at Niles McKinley Speech tournaments. She enjoyed playing bridge with friends, traveling to Florida for baseball spring training, and spending cherished moments with her granddaughters. A lifelong member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Niles, (now St. Pope John XXIII Church), Dolly's faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Dave; her daughters, Sandra (Rob) Haskell of Stow, Ohio, and Denise (Brian) Leipold of South Lyon, Michigan; and her beloved granddaughters, Madison and Meredith Haskell, and Tara and Joanna Leipold. Family and friends may call Saturday, September 7 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, with funeral services following at 5:30pm. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Dolly's memory to the Niles McKinley Memorial Library, where a book on American history will be purchased in her honor. Information can be found at https://mcklib.org/donations, or by calling 330-652-1704 ext. 3. Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.