Dorothy Claire Gehres

Dorothy Claire Gehres, age 87, of Telford, PA went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late David E. Gehres, with whom she shared over 57 years of marriage. Born in Quakertown, PA she was a daughter of the late H. Walter and Ruth (Johnson) Brunner. She is preceded in death by her brother Roy Brunner. She is survived by her sister Addie Mae Engel; daughters Deborah Wolfe (David), Diane Ash (Charles), grandchildren Stephanie Wolfe, Daniel Wolfe (Tori), Noelle Ash (Christopher), and Lindsey Ash. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and extended family. Dorothy graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, IN in 1960. She received her BSN in 1966 from the University of Pennsylvania and her Master's in Education in 1971 from Temple University. She started her nursing career at Grand View Hospital in 1960 as a staff nurse in maternity and in 1961 became an OB instructor. She progressed to Nursing Supervisor in 1963 and then to Director of Nursing in 1969. She gradually had more departments added and became Assistant Administrator in 1973. She was later named Vice President of Clinical and Support Services. In 1976, Dorothy designed the circular ER to maximize patient observation. In her role as Vice President, she oversaw Grand View's largest building expansion in the 1990's. After her retirement in 1994, she worked for 8 years as a Director of Facilities at Calvary Church and oversaw building and expansion projects. She was integral in Calvary's 1999 addition- a 1,550 seat auditorium, atrium, library and living room. She supervised the Grand View Auxiliary in 1984 for 10 years and then joined as a member after she retired. She helped develop a scholarship for non-clinical employees and contributed in some capacity on nearly all organization committees of the Auxiliary. She became a Grand View Health Foundation Trustee from 1998 to 2020 and Trustee Emeritus from 2020 to 2024. She became a member of the Grand View Foundation Board in 2005. Dorothy was a member of Calvary Church of Souderton, PA where she served in numerous positions throughout the years. She was a member of the choir, a Sunday school teacher, member of the Building committee and Benevolent team, worked with victims of domestic violence on the Spiritual Health team, a facilitator of the "Energizers" group, former board member of the Center for Ministry Advancement, and former teacher of Ladies Bible Study. Dorothy loved to volunteer and had a gift for leadership and mentorship. One of her greatest joys was to serve as a Board member for various organizations, including American College of Health Care Executives, Grand View Hospital Auxiliary Board, Bucks County Nurses Association, Hospital Central Services Corporation, president of Community Foundation for Human Development, trustee at Grand View Hospital Foundation, Phoebe Richland Health Care Board, Hatfield Quality Meats, was a founding member of Rose Cliffe Home Owners Association, president of Community Home Services, and board president of Independent Living Resident Council at Lutheran Community at Telford. Dorothy enjoyed camping, spending time at the beach, traveling in the United States and abroad, and music. She loved going to her grandchildren's school and athletic activities. Her favorite role was being a mother and a grandmother to her beloved family. Visitation with the family will take place on Friday October 24, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Lutheran Community at Telford Chapel, 12 Lutheran Drive, Telford, PA 18969 and again on Saturday October 25, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:15 AM at Calvary Church, 820 Rt. 113, Souderton, PA 18964, where a memorial service will follow at 11:30 AM. For those unable to attend the services, you can view the services by clicking here Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dorothy's name may be made to either Calvary Church at the address above or St. Lukes Hospital-Grandview Campus, P.O. Box 902, Sellersville, PA 18960.