Dorothy Ann Voyta passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Walter H. and Ruth Beck. She was the beloved wife of John Voyta, with whom she shared 65 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories.
Dorothy was the matriarch of her family and will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she loved her family with all her heart and treasured every moment spent together. Family gatherings, time with friends, and moments filled with laughter and togetherness brought her immense joy. One of Dorothy’s greatest companions was her beloved cat, Manny, who brought her comfort and happiness throughout the years.
Faith was the foundation of Dorothy’s life from an early age. Raised by her father, a Lutheran pastor, she carried her strong faith throughout every stage of her life and Dorothy remained actively involved in the Lutheran church community wherever life took her. She generously dedicated her time to church functions, community events, and helping others.
Although born in Iowa, Dorothy spent much of her childhood traveling throughout the United States with her family. She spent her high school years in Texas before returning north to attend college in Michigan, where she met the love of her life, John Voyta. Together they settled in the Chicago area before eventually moving to the Washington, D.C. region when John accepted a new position.
Dorothy began her professional career as an English teacher, a role she truly enjoyed. After moving to Maryland, however, her greatest calling became raising her four children — a task that was equal parts joyful, challenging, and deeply rewarding. As her children grew older, Dorothy returned to teaching with a special passion for helping children with special needs, reflecting her patient and compassionate spirit.
Following retirement, Dorothy and John settled in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, where they spent more than 20 happy years enjoying retirement, building lasting friendships, and creating treasured memories with family and friends. In January 2025, Dorothy returned to Maryland and moved to Village Crossing in Frederick, where she continued to enjoy visits with her loved ones.
In addition to her husband, Dorothy is survived by her sons, Scott Voyta, Steve Voyta and his wife Renee, and Dave Voyta and his wife Sarah; her daughter, Kristen Smith; her granddaughter, Jodi Smith; and her grandsons, Joey Voyta, Jonnie Voyta, and Jake Bosley, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Wyatt Smith.
Dorothy will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and deeply caring woman whose warmth, compassion, unwavering faith, and devotion to family left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed far more than she could ever have imagined.
The funeral service will at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dorothy’s memory to: Adams County SPCA, 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or
St. John’s Lutheran Church.