Dorothy Jane Dearringer

Obituary of Dorothy Jane Dearringer

On November 23rd, 2025, surrounded by all the love of her family, Dorothy Jane Dearringer - a beautiful warrior mom - went peacefully to be with her son Ben and the love of her life, Terry. For those who knew Dorothy, you know she was a force. She was her spitfire self until the very end and did things her way, just as she lived her 87 remarkable years on this earth. And although we are deeply saddened by her loss, her memory will forever remain with us. Make no mistake - she is most likely already laying down the law from up above.

Dorothy passed away at her home in Nazareth, PA, with her loving family by her side. She was born on June 10, 1938, in Cokesbury, NJ, to the late Daisy and William Philhower. She grew up in Warren County and attended Phillipsburg High School.

Dorothy was married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to Benjamin Norris, with whom she lovingly raised four children: Benjamin, Jeffrey, Cathy, and Bob. She later married Larry Schaarschmidt, and together they welcomed a daughter, Lori. Her third husband, Terry Dearringer, whom she cherished deeply, predeceased her in 1996.

A devoted and loving mother, Dorothy raised her children with unwavering care, strength, and pride. She worked as a machine operator for over 20 years at Thomas & Betts in Hackettstown, NJ, and for a period of time was the proud owner of Pip's Tavern in Washington, NJ. Dorothy was also a past member of Green Stone United Methodist Church, where she faithfully worshipped every Sunday.

Dorothy enjoyed a full and vibrant life. She was an avid reader with a deep love for the works of John Grisham and James Patterson. She delighted in playing bingo with friends, taking long walks through her neighborhood and local parks, and traveling each year with her best friend, Nook - from Ocean City, MD, to Las Vegas, NV, she cherished every adventure. A lifelong music lover, Dorothy adored Elvis Presley, and in her later years became a devoted fan of Kid Rock. Having seen him in concert three times, she proudly shared the story of the moment he touched her hand - something she joked she'd never wash again, showing it off like a treasured jewel.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Jeffrey Norris; Cathy Norris-Tarsi; Bob Norris; and Lori Schaarschmidt-Knerr and her husband Dennis. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Rebecca Stewart, Jeffrey Norris Jr., Breanna Norris, Benjamin Norris, Jonathan Norris, Jessica Lilly, Stephanie Palez, Danielle Denardo, Ashley Norris, Brandy Norris, Zachary Norris, Hannah Norris, Anthony Colucci and his wife Tracy, and Gage Colucci. She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, with one more expected soon.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Terry Dearringer; her son, Benjamin Norris; her brother, Hezekiah Philhower; and her parents, Daisy and William Philhower.

Friends and relatives may visit with Dorothy's family on Saturday, November 29th from 1:00 until 3:00pm with a service beginning at 3:00pm. All services will be held at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, located at 142 West Washington Ave, Washington NJ 07882.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy's name my be made to the American Cancer Society. Please Click Here to Donate