Dorothy Baugher Ebersole, 92

April 11, 2014

Dorothy Baugher Ebersole died Friday, April 11, 2014 at the age of 92 years at Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA. Born on May 20, 1921, Dorothy was the daughter of Charles and Ella Baugher, who were residents of Elizabethtown, PA. She was the daughter of Charles and Ella Baugher.

Surviving are her sons, Philip B. Ebersole of Silver Spring, MD (husband of Samantha Ebersole) and Stephen B. Ebersole of Solebury, PA (husband of Christine Ebersole), and three grandsons Michael, Gregory and Bradley Ebersole. Also surviving is sibling Louise B. Black. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Mark C. Ebersole and sibling Kathleen B. Bryer.

Dorothy Ebersole graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1939. Her father, as well as her late husband, served as President of Elizabethtown College. Dorothy received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education when she graduated from Elizabethtown College in 1943. She was active in musical groups and productions in both high school and college. Immediately after their college graduation, Dorothy and Mark married in June of 1943. For the next three years, Dorothy worked as the Executive Secretary to the President of Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, PA. The following year, she taught business education courses at Cornwall High School, in Cornwall, PA. In 1949, Dorothy and Mark moved to New York City where she served as the Executive Secretary for the President of Union Theological Seminary. The couple became residents of Lewisburg, PA in 1952, when Mark began his academic career at Bucknell University.

It was while living in Lewisburg that Dorothy gave birth to her sons, Philip, in 1956, and Stephen, in 1958. The family moved to Princeton, NJ in 1968. She worked at Princeton University from 1973 until 1976 serving as the Head Administrative Secretary in the History and Philosophy of Science Department and working for among others, Dr. Thomas S. Kuhn. When Mark was named President of Elizabethtown College in 1977, the family moved to Elizabethtown, PA, where in her role as the first lady Dorothy planned, hosted and helped to coordinate many of the college’s important events and affairs. After Mark retired from Elizabethtown College in 1986, Dorothy and Mark relocated to Lancaster, PA.
Dorothy actively participated and volunteered for a variety of organizations and charitable causes throughout her life including: serving on the Board of the Hospital for Crippled Children based in Elizabethtown, PA; contributing as an officer of the Women’s Auxiliary at Elizabethtown College; participating in many parent-teacher organizations; and working as a volunteer at The Princeton Medical Center, in Princeton NJ.

In addition to Dorothy’s employment and volunteer endeavors, during her younger years she enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Dorothy’s most profound legacy, however, was that of a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She possessed a quick and curious mind with an excellent sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious. All of which will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service to be held May 3rd at 2 PM at the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, 777 South Mount Joy Street, Elizabethtown, PA. Interment ceremony will be private. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the Mark C. and Dorothy B. Ebersole Scholarship Fund at Elizabethtown College, 1 Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.