Doris E. Gotwals

Doris E. Gotwals, 91, beloved widow of John G. Gotwals, passed away peacefully June 25, 2017 at Manatawny Manor, Pottstown. The daughter of Helen (Keeler) and J. Russell Stierly, she is survived by: daughter Gail Carter, granddaughter Linda Landes, and great-grandchildren Austin and Elizabeth Landes. Also survived by many cousins of the Keeler and Stierly families and by friend and caregiver Joyce Cluley. Predeceased by: her husband (2000), sister Gladys J. Stierly, baby brother Kenneth Stierly, and granddaughter Jessica Taroski. Born July 1, 1926, Doris was raised in Oaks, graduated from Phoenixville H.S. in 1944 as a star athlete, and graduated with a B.S. from Ursinus College in 1948, again recognized for her outstanding athletic ability and proud of being one of "Miss Snell's Belles". Her major was health and physical education, and for the next 5 years she was honored to be the first female to teach and coach at Biglerville H.S., near Gettysburg. On April 21, 1954, at St. Paul's, Oaks, she married John G. Gotwals, son of Dr. J. Elmer Gotwals and Helen, and they built their home overlooking French Creek. Thrilled with the arrival of baby Gail in 1957, motherhood became her primary focus, but she also worked at Macke Company in King of Prussia for 39 years. She and John hosted their large extended family for "picnics at the nob" where the harvest from their huge garden was enjoyed by all. Her homemade crème puffs were often requested! As an active life-long member of St. Paul's, Oaks, Doris held many positions, volunteering her time and talents wherever needed doing God's work. She attained perfect Sunday school attendance for 18 years and sang in the choir for 60 years. Her service to church, family, and friends was remarkable and there are no words to express how deeply she will be missed. A mass of Christian burial, led by Rev. Dan Olsen, will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 126 Black Rock Road, Oaks, Pa 19456. There will be no viewing. Relatives and friends will be received at the church from 10-11 AM Saturday morning. Interment following the service will be at Providence Mennonite Church Cemetery, 109 S. Mennonite Road (off Rt. 29), Collegeville, PA 19426. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts in her memory to St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church, 126 Black Rock Road, P.O. Box 404, Oaks, PA 19456. Condolences may be offered online by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements and cremation are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Joyce Cluley thanks all caregivers who assisted Doris at Spring Mill, Manatawny Manor, and recently by Seasons Hospice of Phoenixville.

Doris E. Gotwals

July 1, 1926 - June 25, 2017