Dorothea D. Troutman

A ready smile, an indomitable spirit, and a positive attitude, Dorothea "Dotty" D. Troutman was the strength behind her husband and family. On 8 September 2025, she lost her fight to cancer. Born on 27 June 1936 in Logtown, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late David S. and Mary Louise (Dallett) Darlington. 

Dotty spent her early years in Chester County, Pennsylvania, before moving with her family to Denver, Colorado, in 1941, where she attended Wheat Ridge schools. The family returned to Pennsylvania in 1949, and Dotty attended West Chester High School, graduating in 1954. While there, she demonstrated her interest in a range of activities, including yearbook, Spanish club, co-president of the math club and playing several intramural sports (tennis doubles, basketball, hockey, volleyball, and softball). She attended The Pennsylvania State University, along with her three sisters, and graduated with a bachelors of arts degree in Business in 1958. 

It was at Penn State that Dotty met the art student who would shape her future, Marlin Troutman. The two married in 1958, and together moved to Watsontown where they had four children, Cynthia, Thomas, Susan, and Russell. They were married for 62 years, until his death. 

Dotty was a self-employed seamstress while her children were young and volunteered her skills with costuming for several Warrior Run High School theatre and musical productions during the 1960s. She worked for several years at Sears Roebuck store in Milton, PA, starting in 1973. After which, she joined Dr. Richard Klinetob's optometrist practice in Milton as his receptionist and eye glass fitter, until his retirement in 1988. She continued under Dr. Fetterman, at the Milton Eye Center, until retiring in 1996. 

Dotty was also involved in the community. She was a member of the Watsontown Guild, a member of the Lewisburg Friends Meeting, a poll worker for many years, and was elected as an inspector of elections in 2013 and 2017. 

In addition to sewing, Dotty enjoyed baking, gardening, playing and teaching bridge, and being part of a monthly Gourmet Club, which held dinner events for over 40 years. 

Dotty and Marlin were life-long Penn State football fans, attending or watching games for decades. Dotty was a spirited fan and, when watching from home, could often be heard chastising the referees for missed penalties and mistakes. When she wasn't watching football, she would often turn to Penn State wrestling, volleyball, soccer, or any PSU collegiate sport team on TV, even curling. With all of her children graduating from Penn State, as well as three grandchildren, there was always a lively discussion about sports. 

Dotty partnered with Marlin to build his vision of their home, working together to raise a unique structure after the walls were laid. With his artistic skills and her business acumen, they were able to create a unique building that showcased his art and still served as a warm, inviting home. 

In her later years, Dotty cared for Marlin with humor and grace, even when her own health began to falter. Those who encountered her commented on her fortitude and strength of spirit. 

Dotty was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin Troutman (2022); her parents, David Darlington (1973), Mary Louise Darlington (2000); and two sisters, Catherine Kilburn (1975), Martha "Marty" Russell (2025). She is survived by her children, Cindy (Steve) Troutman-Myers of Watsontown; Tom (Kathy) Troutman of Sunbury; Susan (Matthew) Olney of Columbia, MD; and Russell Troutman of Orlando, FL.; a sister, Mayland Crosson of Collegeville, PA; and six grandchildren, Rebekah Troutman of Washington D.C., Andrew Myers of Watsontown, Aaron Troutman of Boston, MA, David Myers of Watsontown, Zachariah Olney and Ryan Olney, both of Columbia, MD.

Friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 at Grenoble Funeral Home & Crematory, 308 Main St. Watsontown where a Quaker service will be held at 2 p.m. with Therese Miller leading

The family suggests contributions in Dotty’s memory be made to the Marlin K. Troutman Memorial Arts Award Fund, mail checks to 725 W. Front St. Berwick, PA 18603.