Dorcas Spence

Dorcas Mae Spence, 98, of Lansdale, Pa., formerly of Karns City, passed away Monday at the Gwynedd Square Nursing Center in Lansdale.

She was born on Sept. 17, 1915, in Pittsburgh, the daughter of Elmer and Jennie (Dehoff) Erb.

Dorcas graduated from East Pittsburgh High School and then earned her teaching degree from Indiana State Teachers College and West Chester State Teachers College in 1936.

She married Herbert Spence and moved to Karns City during the 1940s, where they lived for more than 40 years, raising three daughters on the family farm.

Dorcas had several interests, not the least of which was playing the piano or organ. An educator, her love of music was passed along to her family and the many generations of children she taught in the Pittsburgh public school system. Dorcas also enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and working in her flower gardens. She was an amazing lady that will truly be missed by all.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Karen S. Spence of China, Mich., Dorothy “Dot” Frederick, of Lansdale, Pa., and Kathy Ferro and her husband, Thomas, of Valley, Wash.; her four grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert T. Spence, who died in 1989; her two brothers; her five sisters; and her son-in-law, Stephen Frederick.

Spence — The relatives and friends of Dorcas Mae Spence, who passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2013, may visit from 1 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, 102 S. Argyle St., Petrolia, with the Rev. Jim Lewis, pastor of the Karns City United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia.Contributions can be made in Dorcas' memory to the American Cancer Society, Blue Bell Chapter, 480 Norristown Road, Suite 150, Blue Bell, PA 19422.To express a condolence to Dorcas' family or to view a video tribute honoring her life, visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com.