Dorothy Mae Herke, nee Goldthwait, 97

Butler, PA – Dorothy Mae Herke, nee Goldthwait, 97, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at Concordia at the Orchard Personal Care Facility in Butler, PA. She was born May 6, 1926, in Nunda, NY the daughter of the late William Norton and Elsie La Rose (Couchman) Goldthwait. On February 19, 1949, in Nunda, she married Howard Donald Herke of Scio, who predeceased her on September 20, 2004.

Dorothy attended Nunda Central School, graduating in June 1943, she continued her education at Geneseo State Teacher’s College, graduating in June 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. That fall she began her teaching career at the Martin Street School of Wellsville, NY. She taught in the Wellsville School System for 32 years, retiring in June of 1982. In her retirement, she and Howard spent many winters in Florida. They enjoyed camping and belonged to the Allegany County Chapter #46 of the Holiday Ramblers Travel Trailer Club. Beyond her career and traveling, Dorothy was a member of the First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Altar Guild, Concordia Ladies Aid Society, and Dorcas Guild. She was also a member of the Allegany County Retired Teachers Association.  She enjoyed spending time with all the children in her life including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her students.

She is survived by: a daughter, Janet A. (Terry) Vossler of Butler, PA; seven grandchildren, Bradley Ball of Wellsville, Elizabeth Stearns of Almond, Christopher Schroeder of Pittsburgh, PA, Heather (Maxwell) Muska of Shelbyville, IN, Matthew (Sarah) Schroeder of Flintstone, MD, Katrina Vossler of Pittsburgh, PA, and Michael Vossler of Valencia, PA; eleven great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Stephen Ball; and two sisters-in-law, Maxine Herke Latham and Marilyn Richmond Herke. In addition to her parents, and husband of 55 years, she was predeceased by a daughter, Joan Ball. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 10 am to 12 noon at the First Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 North Main Street, Wellsville. Her funeral will follow at 12 pm with Reverend Dr. Eric Ash Sr. presiding. The burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery of Scio. Please consider memorial donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, the David A. Howe Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, or Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Road, Valencia, PA 16059. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.