Dorothy Ploss

Dorothy “Dot” or “Red” (as some referred to her) Ploss, age 89, passed peacefully on January 18, 2014, at her home that she and her husband built in Erie, PA. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother (“Nana“) and great-grandmother, she was born in Erie on April 6, 1924, daughter of the late Charles and Ida Joint Goetz. She graduated from East High School in 1943. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Sheldon Glen Ploss, whom she married in 1942. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her two grandsons, Robert and Jeffery Graham.

In order to help care for her family, Dorothy was employed in a variety of jobs over the years: cashier, plastics machine operator, housekeeper, seamstress, receptionist, switchboard operator, and owned her own drapery business. Dorothy was a caring person and helped others; she volunteered for “Meals on Wheels” with her husband and always had a smile to share. In her younger days she was an avid bowler and pinochle player. She enjoyed her family, camping, crafting, playing guitar, singing country music, reading, baking bread and preserving food from the family garden.

She leaves behind a son, Donald Ploss of Maryland, two daughters, Marilynn Graham (her live-in caregiver) and Suzanne Raeke both of Erie, as well as “Char” who was more like her sister than a cousin, Jim, who was always there to help her, “Sunshine”, her faithful Cockatiel companion and her neighbors and friends. Also Dorothy is survived by five grandchildren: Amy Ploss Leech, Matt and Tyler Ploss all of Maryland, Tina and Kevin Raeke both of Erie and four great grandchildren also of Maryland. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Home Instead employees as well as Lakeland Hospice who helped care for mom during her extended time of need…God Bless each one of you. Mom (Nana) will be sadly missed by all.

Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Saturday January 25th from 12:30 until the time of the service at 2:30pm. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.