Doris May Dearth Herr

January 15, 1940 - March 20, 2016

"...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:4)

The beautiful, gentle and quiet spirit of Doris May Dearth Herr left this earth on Palm Sunday, the first day of spring − a time of year when thoughts are turned toward new life. As daffodils were coming out of the thawing ground, she came out of the body that had been ravaged by cancer. As Christians were remembering Jesus Christ's journey toward His death and resurrection, she journeyed to Heaven and into the loving arms of her Savior.

Waiting to greet her at Heaven's gates were her parents, Cornelius Jay and Doris Le Alta Dearth, her brother Larry Franklin Dearth, and her grandson Kyle Christopher Jones. As they joyfully greeted her there, those who were left behind began to mourn her here.

Doris leaves a son, Jeffery Herr (wife Janet); two daughters, Julie Jones (husband Jerry) and Jennie Kettner (husband Dale); six grandchildren, Keenan Herr, Morgan Herr, Eric Jones, Alex Jones (wife Julie), Wesley Kettner, and Amy Kettner; and ex-husband Ronald Herr.

Doris, who was affectionately called Dodie by her family, leaves behind five siblings whom she loved and treasured as her life-long friends. Duane Dearth (wife Mary), Ann Huser, Jean Fields, Ellen McCullough (husband Larry) and Betty Simon.

Doris was born in Cloverdale, Ohio and was raised on a family farm near Gilboa, Ohio. In her later years, the memories of growing up on the farm were some of her fondest.

Doris married Ron in 1957. In 1965 they moved their young family to California where Doris continued her education and fulfilled her dream of becoming a secretary. As an employee, Doris had a strong work ethic and outstanding organizational skills.

The joy of Doris' life was being a mother and a grandmother. She had a playful spirit an abundance of energy that made her an exceedingly fun mom and grandma.

Doris enjoyed creating beauty and expressed her creativity through sewing, crafting, gardening, painting, cooking, and decorating.  With her friends, she enjoyed country western line dancing, playing golf and playing card games. Doris loved to gather loved ones around the table and especially liked to host ladies tea parties and family holiday meals.

In 2007 Doris suffered a debilitating stroke that left her with no short-term memory.  Despite her disability, her gentle and loving personality continued to shine through.

Doris was a follower of Jesus Christ and exemplified what it means to live a sacrificial Christian life. She was kind and encouraging, she put the needs of others before her own, and she graciously accepted all that came her way in life.

The Heavenly Father has surely welcomed her into His Kingdom with the words, "well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Gilboa United Methodist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Local arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.