Dorothy Marie Gouker

Dorothy Marie Jacques Gouker, 98, of Myersville, MD, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, March 28, 2025 at WellSpan Waynesboro

Hospital, Waynesboro, PA.

She was born on February 13, 1927 to Naomi Elizabeth Hessong and Lancelot Jacques.

She attended Middletown High School and often spoke about the long distance she walked from the family farm to catch the school bus. She was a graduate of Popes School of Hairdressing in Hagerstown, MD.

On October 14, 1946, she married Elmer B. Gouker, Sr. and set up housekeeping in Myersville. They were married 35 years until his death on April 10, 1982.

Dorothy was a life-time member of the Lutheran faith. She attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wolfsville, as a child and, after her marriage, she became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Church Hill), Myersville. She was active in the church and a long-time member of the choir.

She is survived by her devoted son Kelly Gouker and wife Sandi, granddaughter Nikki Gouker Rudy and husband Jason, and her beloved

great grandson Cole Rudy. Also surviving are many members of the Hessong family and a nephew of the Jacques family, all of whom she loved deeply. Dorothy was blessed to have many caring friends, especially Mary Marker.

Along with her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her first born son, Elmer B. Gouker, Jr. in 2020 and her infant grandson, Darrell Garner Gouker in 1978, along with other family members.

Being raised during the Great Depression, Dorothy was taught the value of hard work. She was frugal all of her life, cooking meals and raising her family on a budget that included most everything being homemade.

As a young woman she planted and tended a large vegetable garden every year. She canned beautiful foods to feed her family throughout the winter. She made the most delicious sweet pickles, pickled beets, applesauce and sauerkraut. Her pantry shelves were a work of art with

all of the colors of the garden.

Being a fiercely independent woman, Dorothy’s greatest desire was to live in her own home for as long as possible. Fortunately, she was able to do that until just two months ago when her health declined to the point that she needed round the clock assistance. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Hearthstone Retirement Home, Waynesboro, PA, for their loving care while residing there.

Flowers are welcomed. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her name can send it to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cemetery Fund,

PO Box 165, Myersville, MD 21773.

A visitation for family and friends will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Davis Funeral Home, 12525 Bradbury Avenue, Smithsburg, MD 21783. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the funeral home with Pastor Marlene S.

Phillips officiating. Internment will immediately follow the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 10634 Church Hill Road, Myersville, MD 21773.

Arrangements were made with J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD, online condolences can be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.