Obituary of Dorothy Ruth Buss

Dorothy Ruth Buss, 94, of State College died at Foxdale Village on Friday, January 22, 2016. Born on September 6, 1921 in Lafayette, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Robert Arvidson and Ollie Ice Arvidson. Dorothy received a B.S. degree from Purdue University in 1942 and the M.A. degree from George Washington University in 1948. She was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Nu and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies. She taught home economics in high schools in the state of Indiana, and supervised Purdue University student teachers. In 1945 Dorothy returned to Purdue University as a specialist with the Cooperative Extension Services. During that period she was awarded a highly coveted fellowship and spent a year in the Field Studies and Training Division of the Extension Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. Her marriage to Edward Buss took place at West Lafayette, Indiana on May 7, 1949. The family resided in Ft. Collins, Colorado until 1955, spent a year in West Lafayette, Indiana, then moved to State College in 1956. Mrs. Buss served over many years in leadership roles for the Easterly Parkway PTA, Tussey Ridge Girl Scout Council, Hemlock Girl Scout Council, Unitarian Fellowship of Centre County, State College Area Home Economists, Community International Hospitality Council, Centre Community Hospital Auxiliary, Faculty Women's Club, and Omicron Nu Alumni. Dorothy enjoyed gourmet cooking and entertaining in her home. She also designed unique family greeting cards for more than 50 years. Dorothy traveled to many countries around the world with her husband on his professional trips, including living for a short time in West Africa. Survivors include her husband Edward; a daughter, Ellen (William) Westrick of Naples, Florida and Ocean City, New Jersey; a son, Norman (Janet) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two grandsons, Kyle Buss and Trevor (Katy) Buss; and two great-grandsons, Dylan and Owen Buss. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Arvidson of Des Moines, Iowa. The family extends sincere thanks to the caring staff at Foxdale Village. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dorothy R. and Edward G. Buss Endowment at WPSU (FM), 240 Outreach Building, University Park, PA 16802. A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. in the Foxdale Village Living Room, 500 E Marylyn Ave, State College, PA. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.