Dorothy Alice "Dottie" Gerhard

Dorothy Alice “Dottie” Gerhard, 90, of Lititz went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 8, 2026. Born in Elkins Park, PA, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Edith (Kissinger) Neille. She was married 72 years to her beloved husband, Gordon L. Gerhard.

A giver at heart, over the years, Dottie selflessly volunteered in many capacities as a Sunday school teacher, church youth leader, church deaconess, Junior Great Books leader, classroom mother, March of Dimes fundraiser, and dental assistant providing free dental care to needy children. Dottie was instrumental in starting Meals on Wheels of Philadelphia and helped deliver meals to the elderly for years.

Dottie was a graduate of Cheltenham H.S. Deeply driven by the pursuit of knowledge, in midlife she went back to school and received a B.A. degree in English Literature from Chestnut Hill College when she was 54. A physical activity enthusiast, she would ride her one-speed bike to her college classes, then to the gym, and back home, racking up 15 hilly miles. She played volleyball until age 79 when injuries prevented her from continuing.

Dottie dedicated her life to raising her children, creating a warm and loving home for them. Her compassionate nature allowed her to be a great listener, taking on the joys and struggles of others freely. She relished spending time with her family and was happiest sharing funny stories with them, playing tennis and card games, singing along to old show tunes, maintaining a beautiful flower garden, and baking desserts to share and enjoy.

In addition to her husband Gordon, Dottie is survived by 3 children: Deborah Crow (Wayne), Donna Garrison (Raymond), and Glenn Gerhard (Joele); 7 grandchildren: Kevin Crow (Ruth), Gary Crow (fiancée Yun-Ching), Dylan Canavan, Taylor Zarkoski (Chris), Nathan Crow, Connor Gerhard (Megan), and Devon Gerhard; 4 great grandchildren: Caleb Crow, Hudson Zarkoski, Asher Crow, and Rory Gerhard. She was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Schulze and Edythe Marincola.

A memorial service to honor and remember Dottie will be held on Friday, May 29th at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. The family will receive guests from 9am until the time of the service at 10am. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Dottie’s name to Meals on Wheels of Lancaster, 1411 Columbia Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603.