Dorothy A. Lykens, 90, of Ephrata, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. She is predeceased by her sisters Mary Leister, Fannie Valentino, June Lantz and brother John Lykens. Born in Reading, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Rev. Paul and Mrs. Lykens. She was graduated from Reading Senior High School in 1947. After graduating from Millersville State Teacher’s College, she taught school in Long Island, California, Germany, Pennsylvania and as a ''bush teacher'' in Alaska. She also did graduate work at University of California, Berkeley; University of Fairbanks, Alaska; Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff; and University of South San Francisco, California. After ''retiring'' and settling in Ephrata, she was asked by Dr. David Karl (the very best administrator she ever had) to teach all five subjects in a satellite school in Ep􀀓rata, for students to acquire their GED certification. She did this for over 20 years, enjoying her wonderful students. She retired at age 79. She also worked as a governess and executive housekeeper for Dr. Richard Chambers, and the late Dr. James Howenstine, as well as for the late Mr. Thomas Crowley, who was a multi-billionaire shipping magnate, all in the San Francisco Bay area. In between, she was an actress and director in California and Europe. She played Rebecca Nurse in the EPAC production of Arthur Miller's ''The Crucible'' in 2006. She loved to travel, making annual excursions to Mexico for the winter in her later years until it was no longer safe for Americans to do so in the area she would stay. Dorothy also loved to dance, and her joy for life inspired anyone around her. She was a well-spoken, determined woman. Dorothy is survived by two nephews, Craig Leister, Mark James Leister and her fiancé, Ken Thompson, along with other nieces and nephews and their families. Strong in her faith, Ms. Lykens was a member of Charity Christian Fellowship. A graveside service will be held on December 3, 2020, at 3:00 PM at the Charity Christian Fellowship Cemetery, S. Groffdale Road, Leola, with Pastor Aaron Lee Hurst officiating. A Celebration Of Life service will be scheduled in the near future as the family resolves travel and gathering logistics. Flowers will be accepted or, if desired, we encourage planting of a tree or grove as a lasting tribute to Dorothy’s life and legacy through the Heartfelt Sympathy Store. Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.