Dorothy Klinger

June 10, 1921 - March 22, 2015

Dorothy Klinger Dorothy A. Klinger, 93, died peacefully at her home in Hegins, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 22, 2015. She was born June 10, 1921 to the late John and Lottie (Green) Bush, in Barry Township, where she resided until her marriage. She met her late husband, Warren Klinger, in her teenage years and was fortunate to marry the love of her life. The couple resided in Weishample until 1946, and then moved into their home on Chestnut Street in Hegins, where they shared a full and rich life, until Warren's death in 1987. Dorothy attended Ashland and Hegins Township high schools, graduating in 1936, the year of her 15th birthday. Dorothy's work ethic developed early, on the family dairy farm. She began teaching piano at age 16, continuing for 5 years. She was also pianist and choir member at St. John's "Kimmel's" Lutheran and Reformed Church in Barry Township, where she also taught Bible School and was the Sunday School pianist. She was employed at Twin Valley Farmer's Exchange, Earl and Alma's Restaurant (Humbug's), Huntsinger Farms, was a sexton of Friedens Lutheran Church, and Friedens Reformed Church in Hegins. With her husband, Dorothy operated the soft ice cream stand in Gratz. Dorothy began working at the Valley Citizen (Citizen-Standard) in 1962, retiring at age 70 from her position as advertising manager. For the next 10 years, she operated Klinger's Tanning Salon, which had been established by her husband Warren just 5 weeks before his death. Dorothy was the first woman on the church council, serving as council secretary for many years she served in many capacities at Friedens Lutheran Church; she was a hand bell ringer, mentor for confirmands, was the worship and music committee chairman, and served on the building committee and debt reduction committee. She saw herself as a trend-setter, maybe even a rebel. She was the first woman at church to wear a pantsuit and considered wearing a hard-hat to building committee meetings. Later in life, she was active in church fundraising, as an actress in multiple plays and movies. Many will fondly remember her as "The Duchess of Hegins." She was able to balance her varied interests (music, card club, church actress) with her intense work schedule, and her busy family life. Her abiding sense of faith was a cornerstone of her life, as was her love of her ever-growing family Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her children: sons Warren and wife Betsey of New Britain; Richard and wife Carol of Stroudsburg; Donald and companion, Brenda Hoffman, of Hegins, and John and wife Lori of Hegins; and daughters Kay wife of Marvin Masser of Valley View; Susan and husband John Rowland of Fort Collins, Co, and Margaret (Peggy) Erdman of Bonita Springs, FL. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Darlene Klinger of Hegins, and was preceded in death by her son Lloyd Klinger and her son-in-law Terry Erdman in 2014, daughter-in-law Barbara Klinger in 1996, and infant grandson Kevin John Klinger in 1972. She was "Mammy" to 23 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. Dorothy was one of three siblings: her sister Catherine Kemple of Pottsville died in December, 2013; her brother Richard Bush of Bensalem survives her. Dorothy will be cremated, per her wishes. A Memorial Service will begin promptly at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Friedens Lutheran Church, 509 E. Main St., Hegins, PA. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the church. Contributions may be made in Dorothy's memory to the Friedens Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.