Dorothy "Dottie" Lee Rough

Rough, Dorothy Lee, “Dottie”, 85, resident of Richland HealthCare, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 9, 2019.Dorothy was born to the late Pastor Robert and Beulah Crees on November 22, 1934, in Kittanning, PA. Preceded in death by her parents and by her youngest son, Stephen Mark. She leaves behind a marriage of 62 years to Pastor H. Don Rough. Survived by her three sisters: Rosemary Stiffler, Roberta Devin and Virginia Plaster.Dorothy also has three surviving children, and their spouses: Tim (Terry) Rough, Dan (Amy) Rough, and Kathy (Jeff) Bidelman; along with six grandchildren: Shane, Nathan, and Alanna Bates; Chloe and Dawson Rough, and Ella Bidelman, plus a large extended family. Dorothy spent a long life in service of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She began her walk with Jesus as a young child. As a teen, Dorothy knew she was called by God into full-time Christian ministry. While at Grace College, she started dating Don Rough, who was called to be a Pastor. A perfect match! At Grace, Dottie and Don were members of the very first Grace College Touring Choir. She graduated from Grace College in 1956.  Dorothy and Don were married on June 29, 1957. Dorothy, a humble servant of God, displayed Christ-like love as a Pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, counselor and friend. Dorothy, much like her mother Beulah, boldly approached the throne of God daily as a faithful Prayer Warrior and effectual witness for Jesus Christ. Dorothy loved to spend time with family. She especially enjoyed camping in Canada with Don, her children and their families. She often prepared special birthday meals for each loved one. Dorothy sacrificed her time, energy and health to help raise her children and grandchildren, and to support the work of Jesus Christ as a steadfast, compassionate Pastor’s wife. She and her husband Don faithfully served at the Riverside Grace Brethren Church in Johnstown, PA, for over 35 years. Dottie loved to sing! She had a beautiful voice, and will be fondly remembered for singing “The Holy City” on Easter Sundays. In 1949 Dorothy was a choir member for the first great evangelistic campaign of Billy Graham, held in Los Angeles. She was also a regular soloist at Riverside Grace, along with being a member of various duets, trios, choirs and other musical groups in her home church and throughout churches in the area. Dottie was a substitute teacher in many local school districts, and spent several years as a full-time teacher in the Ferndale Area School District. After retiring from the public schools, Dorothy served as Administrator at Riverside Christian Academy for several years. Dorothy will be dearly missed by her family and by all who knew her. But we celebrate that we know she is now with Jesus. This soft-spoken, meek woman worth more than rubies was a soul winner. We believe she would want to use this moment to retell the simple Gospel message. If you would like the assurance of spending your eternity with Jesus: 1) Admit that you are a sinner. 2) Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to take away your sins, that He was buried, and then rose from the dead. 3) Through prayer, ask for forgiveness and invite Jesus into your life to become your personal Savior. (Romans 3:23, 5:8 and 10:13) The family is thankful for all the wonderful, dedicated staff and caregivers at Richland HealthCare. Finally, a special thank you to Dorothy’s prayerful and supportive church family at Liberty Grace in Richland. There will be a private viewing and interment for family members. Public Memorial and Celebration service is at Liberty Grace Brethren Church, 1081 Tener St, Johnstown, PA on Sunday, December 22 at 2 pm. Pastor Doug Black and Rob Plaster presiding. Dorothy will be buried next to her son Stevie at Maple Springs Cemetery in Jerome, PA. The family suggests that donations in Dorothy’s memory be sent to Liberty Grace Brethren Church, 1081 Tener St., Johnstown, PA 15904, or to Camp Mantowagon, 2671 Camp Lane, PO Box 95, Saxton, PA 16678. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. You may read or share obituary or leave online condolences at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com

For more information please visit the church website at:  http://www.graceinrichland.com/