Barbara A. Dofka
January 9, 1936 ~ July 4, 2026
Resided in:
Weirton, West Virginia
Barbara A. (Barrett) Dofka ,90, of Weirton, WV went to her Heavenly reward on July 4, 2026.
Born January 9, 1936 , she was the daughter of the late Ethel Mae and Otto Barrett.
She was proceeded in death by the love of her life of 56 years Edward F. Dofka as well as her brother Charles and sister Agnes.
After her Weir High School graduation Barbara graduated from West Liberty State College with a BA in education. She taught in her home basement on Edna Avenue while her children were young and then taught and retired from Weirton Heights Elementary School and taught K-6 and specialized in Science, English, Language Arts.
She was awarded the Milken Educators Award in 1996 for adapting and developing a Hands-On Science/Math program. She participated in an intensive Ruralnet Training program to develop a network that would connect all West Virginia schools. After retirement she also participated at the Smart Center in Wheeling, West Virginia and did several workshops for problem areas in Elementary Science and Math at local county schools.
She loved the Lord and praise and worship. She’d spend hours reading His word daily and hearing from Him. She wrote journals about this time with her Savior daily. She daily participated in the Purifying Fire International prayer call and never missed this prayer time . She loved her family, traveling,reading, writing ,cooking ,baking and drinking coffee.
She is survived by her son Gregory B. Dofka (Dana Wedgewood) of New Cumberland,WV; her daughter Dr.Dianna Shipley and her husband David of Gallatin, TN; sisters in law Patricia “Patty” Zielinsky and her husband Thomas of Weirton and Rose Ann Keller of Denver,CO; her loving grandchildren Gregory Dofka , Emily Shipley and Jonathan Shipley and her great grandchildren Bailey and Eva and her dog ,Angel. As well as her many friends who loved her, cared for her and visited her including Pastors Craig and Kim Greathouse, Jenny Ciodi, John and Jennie Newbrough, Janet Tournay, Sandy Isinghood and Carolyn Puskarich. A special loving thanks to Serra Manor and their exceptional staff who cared for and loved her like their own Mother.
A time of visitation with her family will be held at 1:30 PM until the time of her Celebration of Life service at 2 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Family God Christian Center 128 Era Street Weirton, WV at 2 PM on Saturday July 11, 2026.
Memorial contributions may be made to Family of God in Weirton, WV; International Fellowship of Christian and Jews 303 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2300,Chicago ,IL 60601-5224; Olive Tree Connections, Rivergate Bushiness Center, 124 Cude Lane ,Suite 124,Madison, TN 37115.
Share tributes with Barbara’s family at www.grecohertnick.com
Services
Visitation: July 11, 2026 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Family of God Christian Center
128 Era Street
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 723-8788
fogcc.org
Celebration of Life: July 11, 2026 2:00 pm
Family of God Christian Center
128 Era Street
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 723-8788
fogcc.org
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Barbara A. Dofka 's name.
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
303 East Wacker Drive Suite 2300
Chicago,
IL
60601-5224
Olive Tree Connections
Rivergate Business Center 124 Cude Lane Suite 124
Madison,
TN
37115
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Mrs. Dofka! Barb Dofka was the heart and soul of Weirton Heights Elementary School for many years! Besides being a caring and talented teacher she would reach out to students, parents and staff members whenever there was a need! She loved to take on responsibilities and took an active role when called upon! As a principal she was a valuable resource and colleague! I admired her faith, love of family and dedication to education! I will always have lovely memories of Barb!
My condolences to Mrs. Dofka’s family and friends. As a former student, I can say she made an impact on my education and I appreciate her commitment to her students. RIP, Mrs. Dofka.
Thankful that my life was beautifully impacted by God connecting us while advancing His Kingdom!
Enjoy your eternal heavenly home.❤️
Jody and George Gerbo
From our Flying together for ministry that took us on a round trip from Weirton to Pitts. International, being escorted by ambulance back to Weirton hospital due to an accident on the people mover and back to the airport to catch a flight to Fl. Barb told them her daughter was a doctor and she would be best at caring for her needs- I agreed. Our days of just running around on our “ Girl’s day out” shopping & lunch excursion’s always were great blessings to me.
However, whether talking in the phone, stopping by to drop something off to Barb, praying with her, or digging in for a Bible study the greatest memories I’ll forever hold dear are the times we joined hands and hearts in prayer and talked with the Lord Jesus. Forever my friend. Thank you.
Barbara Dofka was a true inspiration. As a young teacher, I looked to Barb who was always willing to share her experience and expertise as a caring, exemplary teacher. Barb truly lived her faith and set a fine example for others to follow. Barb will be remembered and missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
What can I say? Barb was a very special lady. We were able to get together at a Weirton Heights monthly staff luncheon, and she was always excited to be there. It was great getting caught up and reminiscing about the days at Weirton Heights. We had planned a surprise luncheon for her 90th birthday, but the weather didn’t cooperate. When we rescheduled it, we could not get a hold of her. Barb loved the luncheons so much that she called me on her way there, only to have a flat tire. Believe it or not, her determination to get there paid off, and she made it to the luncheon a little late. She was loved by so many people and will not be forgotten. My only regret was not seeing her at the end. RIP, my friend!!
Wishing you peace and comfort.
So sorry for your loss. Barbara was a very special lady. PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.
Mrs. Dofka was my 6th grade teacher in the early ’60’s at Liberty School. She was as a teacher kind, fair, fun, consistent, and so creative and innovative for that era. My career as an elementary teacher was impacted by her teaching techniques and demeanor. My sympathy to you upon her passing. May she rest in peace.