Doris Hoffman Gottshall, affectionately known as Dottie, peacefully passed away in her home holding the hand of her husband of 77 years, J. Richard Gottshall on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Dottie was a faithful member of the Church of the Brethren her entire life and the Central Church of the Brethren for over 30 years.  While able to attend, she was a member of the bell choir, taught Sunday school classes and worked with the Wednesday Night Fellowship.  Throughout her years as a loving and supportive minister’s wife, she was instrumental in starting quilting groups in several different congregations in Pennsylvania and Virginia.  These groups of ladies made and knotted many quilts to be donated to either the Disaster Relief Organization of the Church of the Brethren or the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, Virginia.  She loved the Lord and was an inspiration to many as she lived her life as his servant.

She loved children and worked in both Roanoke City Schools and Antrim County Schools (in Pennsylvania) as an instructional aid in both regular and special education classes. 

She enjoyed sewing and during her lifetime made clothes for her family.  She also created numerous quilts for family and friends and later in life made baby quilts that were donated. She loved working jigsaw puzzles and would often work one after another.

She was a dedicated mother to her three daughters, Hope, Joy, Jill and passed her love of sewing to them.  She also loved her cats and instructed Dick to make sure he took good care of her present pet, Maddie.  Throughout Dottie and Dick’s 77 years of marriage, their love never wavered as you would often see them holding hands and expressing their love for one another.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Hope E. Gottshall in November, 2022.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dick Gottshall; two daughters, Joy A. Gottshall of Greensboro, N.C. and Jill G. Mooney (Ron) of Roanoke, VA; Granny to two grandchildren, Ryan Mooney and Brooke Etter (Shane); GiGi to two great granddaughters, Jewel Wood and Emma Etter all of Roanoke, VA; special friends, Marty and Libby Devine, Lisa Loveless, Bob and Liz Reilly.

We will miss her wonderful sense of humor which she never lost, her gentle touch and her immeasurable love for her husband, family and friends.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Central Church of the Brethren.  A private burial was held at the Daleville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the memorial fund, %Central Church of the Brethren, 416 West Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA  24016.