Dorothy Ann Lerch

Dorothy Ann Lerch 92, of Franklin, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, January 16th. Born June 17, 1922 in Franklin, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Louis Lloyd and Vera Sanford Brown. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was married to Vance W. Lerch on June 16, 1945, and he preceded her in death on October 8, 2008. Dorothy attended the Commercial College in Franklin for 2 years and received a Secretarial Certificate. She worked at Arms Franklin Corporation from August 1942 to October 1943, and then at Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company until December 1945. Dorothy was also a homemaker. She was a faithful member of the Grace United Methodist Church. During her earlier years, she enjoyed baking - she made, decorated and sold cakes for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, and decorated elaborate cookies. Dorothy also loved music, and enjoyed working word search puzzles and watching her favorite tv shows, "Jeopardy", " Wheel of Fortune", The Lawrence Welk Show", "Suzy Ormond" and "Keeping up Appearances". She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and quilling.Dorothy had served as a board member for the Blind Association, was a member of the March of Dimes, the Hospital Auxiliary, and "Meals on Wheels". She was a "people person" and always enjoyed meeting and helping people.She is survived by her sons, R. Stephen Lerch and his wife, Debbie, of Franklin, and Duane Lerch and his wife, Linda, of Loveland, Ohio; and her daughter (with whom she lived), Sue Lerch of Franklin. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Maggie Donoghue and her husband, Patrick; her step-granddaughter, Raeann Johnson and her husband, Trevor; her step-great-grandchild, William Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister and her husband, Mary Lou and Arnold "Bud" Ditzenberger; her brother and his wife, Louis and Claire Brown, Jr.; and her niece, Linda Brown Isaac.Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Tuesday, January 20th from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 21st at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ed Gresick, pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church in Rocky Grove, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Grace United Methodist Church - 350 Front Street, Franklin and/or to the Venango VNA Foundation - 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin Pa 16323.Family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com to send cards, flowers, online condolences, or for further information.