Dorothy Swisher

1932 - 2018

Dorothy Swisher

Gettyburg - Dorothy Pauline (Klinefelter) Swisher, 86, was called home on Friday, August 24, 2018, at Magnolias of Chambersburg following her long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Dottie was born June 10, 1932 and was the daughter of the late L. Lohr and Florence R. (Millhimes) Klinefelter. She and her husband built their home on the family farm near Gettysburg in 1950.

Dottie retired after 40 years with the Federal Government, beginning at the age of 18 working with the Selective Service System in Gettysburg and Chambersburg for 24 years until their offices closure. She continued her federal service at the Mechanicsburg Naval Depot where she worked as a supply coordinator with the Australian Navy until her retirement 22-1/2 years later.

Mrs. Swisher was predeceased by her husband, Richard "Dick" Swisher, in 2011, having been married for 61 years.

Dottie is survived by a daughter, Sharon S. Cooley and husband, Kevin, one grandson, Marc P. Cooley, his wife Ashley, and three grandchildren, Alyssa Cooley, Austin Cooley, and Brady Salter, all of Biglerville. She is also survived by sisters, S. Kathryn Benton, Gettysburg, and Alda F. Hammond (Walter), Ocala, FL, and brother Leroy L. Klinefelter (Shirley), Gettysburg. She was predeceased by brothers Clyde Klinefelter and Bruce Klinefelter and sister, Ruth Lebo. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Swisher was a lifelong member of St. Paul's U.C.C., New Oxford where she taught Sunday School, served on council and sang on the choir. She graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1950 where she was a drum majorette. She often reminisced about walking "miles" to school, being taught in the one room school house and helping the teachers assist other students. She was a skilled seamstress having worked in a sewing factory during her younger years.

Dottie was a member and Past Matron of Gettysburg Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Past Officer of Samaria Shrine, Ozemb Daughters of the Nile, Social Order of the Beauceant, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, (NARFE), and Past President of the former Gettysburg Soroptimist Club.

Dick and Dottie enjoyed driving and showing their 1950 Chevrolet Bellaire, hardtop convertible, with which they won many awards. She and Dick loved to travel, attending every foreign performance tour and trip to Broadway with Sharon's music students. Dottie also enjoyed playing cards with her 500 club for 50 years. Before her illness, Dottie spent her spare time caring for her many roses and flowers in her yard.

Dottie's funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM at Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg with the Rev. Dr. Tom Lush, officiating, followed by interment at the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Eastern Star services will begin at 10:45 AM. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.

Serving as Pallbearers are Kevin Cooley, Marc Cooley, Austin Cooley, Brady Salter, Melvin Lebo, Cy Hammond and Honorary Pallbearer, Mike Aughinbaugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The family would like to thank the staff at Magnolias of Chambersburg and Crane Hospice who cared for Dottoe and made her part of their family. Three words to sum up mom's very active life would be her love of God, family, and her many friends gained through her Masonic affiliations. She always put others ahead of herself.