Dorothy L. Feather Egolf

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of the beloved matriarch of our family, Dorothy L. (Harclerode) Feather Egolf, on 17th December, 2025. She went peacefully to be with the Lord at the age of 95, surrounded by her family as they sang Christmas Carols and held her hand.

Dorothy Louise Harclerode was born on 26 February 1930 in Colerain Township, Bedford County. Her parents were John F. and Mary Janet (Morgart) Harclerode. Dorothy grew up on the family farm, along with her siblings: Janet, James, and Robert, who have preceded her in death. She graduated from Bedford High School in 1948, participating in various activities, including the marching band. On the 17th of December 1950, she married Frederick K. Feather in Bedford. They were married by Pastor Harvey L Huntley, Trinity Lutheran Church, Bedford. Frederick died unexpectedly on the 30th of March 1967, in Bedford Hospital. He was buried in Bedford County Memorial Park. Dorothy later married Fred R. Egolf in Winchester, VA, on 28th October 1977. Fred died on 19th February 2016.

Dorothy was blessed with four children: Gloria (Barry), Barbara (Darrell), John (Karen), and Gregory (Elizabeth); five grandchildren, David, Brian, Devon, Abigail, and Isabella; eight great-grandchildren: Madison, Riley, Jayden, Autumn, Evelyn, Bailey, Olivia, and Bentley; and one great-great-grandchild, Elias.

Dorothy had an unwavering love for God, family, and community. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and her love and kindness touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Dorothy’s career and community service followed the same passion throughout her life - the love of, in her words, “keeping track of the books.” Skilled at organization and record keeping, Dorothy found herself volunteering for service for many groups and organizations all over Bedford County. She served as the acting secretary for Trinity Lutheran Church until a full-time secretary could be hired. For more than two decades, she served as the Treasurer for the Wood’s Church located in Rainsburg and served on the Board of the Bedford County Library.

Professionally, she began her career at the Bedford County Courthouse. Most commonly, over her forty-three-year career, she was known as the Office Manager at Don Rice Ford, which became H.J Beamer Ford, and then Bedford Ford/Chrysler, where she retired in 2004.

Dorothy was very interested in history throughout her adult life. She was a member of at least two historical societies: the Dutch Corner Historical Group, where she served as their public relations chairperson and became instrumental in raising public awareness of rebuilding the Old Stone School, a one-room school in Dutch Corner. She was also a member of the Bedford County Historical Society, where she pursued her own lineage back to the Revolutionary War. Dorothy devoted herself to researching her Grandmother Filler’s family back several generations, to Dorothy’s Revolutionary War Patriot, Frederick Filler, of Maryland. In 2011, she became a member of DAR and served the local chapter on the Archives Committee. She enjoyed speaking proudly about Frederick Filler whenever she could.

Dorothy’s affinity for auto racing began in the 1950’s when she became a member and promoter of North Bedford Speedway, a make-shift race track built on Bob Shaffer’s farm. She raced Bob Foor’s car in a powder puff race.

In the 1960’s, Dorothy and her family drove the 1 millionth Comet produced from Don Rice Ford to Ford Headquarters in Michigan, and in 1966, Dorothy drove a rare, limited edition Mustang painted black with real gold metallic flakes from Pittsburgh to Don Rice Ford’s showroom.

In the 1980’s, Dorothy became an avid NASCAR fan and for more than two decades would attend every Daytona 500, while visiting her daughter Barbara in Florida. In the 2000’s, she would proudly spectate her son John drive his No. 3z Midget Sprint Car, sponsored by her employer, Bedford Ford and Hoss’ Steak House.

As a Steelers fan, she would fondly recount the time when Franco Harris pulled her onto his lap while signing his autograph and declaring her his #1 fan.

A true Bedford County Farm Girl, Dorothy was often seen at the Bedford County Fair helping her father and the Pennsylvania Beef Breeders Association, where she served as the secretary while her father, John, served as President. An advocate for women in leadership, she was a member of Toastmistress and often spoke at events and was a member of the Women of Trinity. An avid bowler, she was a member of Don Rice Ford’s bowling team, “the Thunderbirds.”

The Bedford County Players often found Dorothy and a friend in the audience. She eagerly supported the group and attended many of their plays over the years. Dorothy also liked to travel, sometimes accompanied by a daughter and two granddaughters. Her backyard was often ablaze with color; garden vegetables and her favorite orange lilies topped her list. She even enjoyed canning pickles and horseradish with friends.

Dorothy spent most of her last nine years in Harrisburg living with her son, Greg, and his family, where she enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and reading books. A member of “Linked by Love” book club, she maintained a constant connection with her Bedford “friends” by attending their monthly meetings virtually.

May her spirit and everlasting memory forever be in our hearts, bringing comfort and inspiration to us all.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to the Bedford County Library, 240 South Wood St, Bedford, PA 15522 or the Bedford County Historical Society, 6441 Lincoln Highway, Bedford, PA 15522 in her name.

As we mourn her passing, let us also remember to celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the love she shared with us all. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. David Weinhold officiating. Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park. Friends will be received on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m.at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford and 9 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday at the church. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com