Dorothy F. Althouse

Dorothy Florence (Lerch) Althouse, 91, died March 21, 2012 in her Laureldale residence.

She was the wife of John Edwin Althouse who died May 1, 2007.

Born in West Reading, she was a daughter of the late Charles Andrew and Verna Elizabeth (Degler) Lerch.

Dorothy was a 1938 graduate of Muhlenberg High School.

She worked with her mother's catering business, Lerch's Restaurant, until she eventually took over. She worked there for over 50 years.

Dorothy was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Laureldale. Every year, she looked forward to assisting the church with their rummage sale.

She loved to cook, bake and travel. She also enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets.

Surviving are two children: David Charles, husband of Rosemarie T. (Troller) of Reading and Carol Ann (Althouse), wife of Warren L. Kulp of Laureldale.

Other surivovrs include four grandchildren: Thomas Kulp, Cathy Mitchell, Theresa Althouse and James Althouse; four great grandchildren, Charles, Andrew, Emily and Joshua and a sister-in-law, Betty (Witman) Lerch of Laureldale.

Dorothy was predeceased by a brother, John Earl Lerch and a sister, Sara Louise Heckman.

Services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Centre Township.

Contributions may be made to: Calvary Lutheran Church, 1009 Elizabeth Ave., Laureldale, PA 19605 and/or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312.

For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com.