Dorothy J. Marple

Dorothy Marple Dorothy Jane Marple, retired church executive, born November 24, 1926 in Abington, Pa, died on August 8 at Artman Lutheran Home, Ambler, PA She was preceeded in death by her parents, J. Stanley and Jennie (Stetler) Marple, and by a sister, Alice Rothwell. She is survived by a sister, Virginia Reynolds and nine nieces. She is also survided by a long time friend, Dr. Lois Leffler. Throughout her lifetime Dorothy received many degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Ursinus College, 1948; Masters, Syracuse University, 1950; Doctorate of Education, Columbia University Teachers College, 1969; Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Thiel College in 1965, from Gettysburg College in 1979, and from Ursinus College in 1981; Doctorate in Humanitarian Services, Newberry College, 1977; Doctorate of Divinity, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 1987. She served as Counselor and Assistant in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Women in the WomensCollege of Duke University, 1950-53; Dean of Women and Foreign Student Advisor, Thiel College, 1953-61; Assistant Social Director Whittier Hall, Columbia Teachers College, 1961-62. In 1962, and until 1975, Dorothy served as the first Executive Director of Lutheran Church Women, the national womens organization of the newly formed Lutheran Church in America. As an educator she played a key role in establishing this organization, built on a foundation of faith, education and action. She was an advocate for the full participation of women in church and society, including womens ordination. Her selection in 1975 as the first lay woman to serve as an assistant to the Presiding President/Bishop of the Lutheran Church in America was significant as she was the first lay woman to serve in that position, continuing until 1985. This was followed by her role in 1986-87 as Coordinator of the Transition Office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Serving as Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S., 1987-89, incorporated her strong commitment to ecumenicity and professional responsbilities. In addition, Dorothy was influential in many areas as she served as a member of many boards and committees. In 1970-72 she was Coordinator of the Lutheran Church in America Committee on Function and Structure. She shared her skills and commitment through participation in Lutheran World Federation, as Chairperson of its Commission on Church Cooperation, 1983-90; member of the Board of Directors, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, 1989-98; member of the Board of Trustees of the United Board of Christian Higher Education in Asia, 1989-98. Her support of and commitment to justice issues and to international people was reflected in many of her efforts, including the resettlement of young Sudanese refugees. Dorothy's life was one of being a pioneeer. She was the first in her family to graduate from college and to earn advanced degrees. She was the director of a womens organization that was a contributing factor in womens leadership development. She served as the first woman in various roles in a national Lutheran church body in the United States. She supported and encouraged support for ecumenism and for international commitments. Dorothy's faith extended into all arenas of her life. Relationships with family and friends played an important part in who she was and what she did. Her generosity made a difference to family, friends and the accomplishment of programs and projects. Her world and ecumenical views led her into challenging and meaningful service. Thanks be to God for her life. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 13, 10:00 a.m., at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, 411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, Pa. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with burial following. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent payable to ELCA World Hunger, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Please include a note indicating that the contribution is in memory of Dorothy J. Marple. Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.