Dorothy (Janie) Bouder, 94, was called Home to Glory June 28, 2020. A life well lived in service to others. How do you fit a lifetime of memories in one tribute?!
Born January 11, 1926, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Shue) Moyer, the youngest of eight children, this remarkable woman left school at age 14 to help support her mother. She married at 17, it was 1943 WWII, and continued to care for her mother while her husband served in the South Pacific. Dottie thanked God for his safe return in 1945 and in 1946 they started their family with daughter Jean and then in 1947 son Roger. While caring for her family she also babysat, delivered phone books, gathered information for both the City Directory and U.S.Census. She often joked that she gained and lost a job
every 10 years.
When her children were in elementary school Dottie went back to school herself to learn business skills for future employment. When hired
by the Lancaster Credit Bureau she worked every other Saturday to have alternate Mondays off. On her Mondays off she would go to Hamilton Watch Co. to apply for work. Repeatedly she visited the employment office at Hamilton Watch Co. until she was hired! Here again her wholesome nature of humor surfaced, she would say “They finally hired me to stop me from coming in every other Monday”. Dorothy worked her way up from a file clerk to a purchasing agent with high responsibility, and retired in 1986 after 20+ years of service. She was highly esteemed by all her co-workers and supervisors, and dearly loved by all her
friends and family.
Although Dottie loved her work, her first love was her family, and their dogs – Dusty, Lady, Penny, Melody & Melanie. As a Girl Scout troop leader she helped shape young minds and spirits to encourage them to succeed at the paths they chose. Family day trips were common – Maple Grove Swimming Pool, Rocky Springs Park, Hershey Park, Samuel S. Lewis State park, among others. Neighbor’s children clamored to join in, it was always good safe fun for all. Does anyone remember “The Grocers Picnic”? The annual summer day trip to Atlantic City by train – talk about fun, it was the top! Dorothy was an avid reader who loved cozy mysteries, family stories and biographies, and her Bible – what comfort she found there, and in her favorite hymn “How Great Thou Art”.
After retirement she was excited to have more time to spend with her grandchildren, how she loved them and the love she gave came right back to her.
Mrs. Bouder was considered the “Unoffical Photographer” of Dayspring Christian Academy where her youngest grandchild John was a student.
For health & fun Dottie and her two best friends for life, Jeanne Curran and Vera Herzog, joined water aerobics and to their delight the instructor was Karen Schmidt Sirbak, grand-daughter of their dear neighbors on Lancaster Avenue.
Words often used to describe Dorothy: a dear lady, beautiful inside and out, kind and comforting, warm, soft and caring, forgiving, welcoming, loving, Godly, sweet, giving, humble. She judged no one, accepting them as they were and praying for God’s peace and refinement for us all.
This world is a little poorer with her passing but there is rejoicing in Heaven as she is once again with the loved ones who were called before her. Though our grief is great, she now sees Jesus face to face!! What more could any Christian want?
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles S. Bouder. And her siblings – Miriam Findley, Mabel Riker, Richard Sturgis, Marshall Sturgis, Russell Sturgis, Bernetha Dunkle, and Willard Sturgis. Also her son-in-law Charles Wiegand, niece Lucille (Jackson) Johnson, and great niece Cheryl Jean Dunkle.
She is survived by her children Jean L. Bouder Wiegand (Charles), Roger P. Bouder (Carol), grandchildren Clint D. Bouder, Michele L. Rock-Barber, John C. Wiegand, great-grandchildren Isabella Noel Barber and Evelyn Rose Dunkle, 9 nieces and nephews and their children & grandchildren.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles S. Bouder. And her siblings – Miriam Findley, Mabel Riker, Richard Sturgis, Marshall Sturgis, Russell Sturgis, Bernetha Dunkle, and Willard Sturgis. Also her son-in-law Charles Wiegand, niece Lucille (Jackson) Johnson, and great niece Cheryl Jean Dunkle.
She is survived by her children Jean L. Bouder Wiegand (Charles), Roger P. Bouder (Carol), grandchildren Clint D. Bouder, Michele L. Rock-Barber, John C. Wiegand, great-grandchildren Isabella Noel Barber and Evelyn Rose Dunkle, 9 nieces and nephews and their children & grandchildren.
Dorothy was a longtime member of Apostles Church and more recently Tapestry Church. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
To honor Dorothy’s memory we ask you to renew your spiritual committment to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Cremation Services of Lancaster 717-273-6283
2 Comments To "Dorothy J. Bouder"
#1 Comment By Debbie Boyer On July 12, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
Jeanie…I feel so saddened for you, and yet we know she is peaceful and free of suffering and discomfort. I am sure you know how fond I always was of your mother. I will always remember how she gave me a chance as a “rookie” hairdresser. I know that was probably not easy! But that is the kind of person she was. She was kind and generous and always friendly to others. I grew to love her and always looked forward to seeing her. She lent me her shoulder many times when I was going through some difficult times (with my own mom and other times, also). We shared laughter and we shared tears! I have many reminders around my home of Dottie. I will always remember her with a smile in my heart. My prayers are with you and all your family. God bless you all. Love, Debbie Boyer
#2 Comment By Eileen Flick On July 13, 2020 @ 4:26 pm
To Jean and Roger, I remember your dear mother well! Always smiling, always kind! My sincere condolences go out to you and all of your extended families. You are so fortunate to have had her with you for all these years! God’s blessings to all of you! She’ll now rest in peace with all who have gone before.
With sincere sympathy, Mrs. Eileen Harrison Flick