Delores “Doris” Jean (Myers) Gerfen, age 64, of Waldo, died Saturday morning, October 15, 2011, at her residence following an extended illness.
On April 25, 1947, Doris was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Garland and Nora (Jacobs) Myers. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to Marion County for her father’s work and she graduated from River Valley High School in the Class of 1966.
During her childhood, Doris met a young boy by the name of Allen Gerfen, who would become her ever constant love and companion. They were married immediately after she graduated on May 21, 1966, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waldo, while he was on leave from his post in Germany for the U.S. Army.
A dedicated worker, Doris gave her best during her 20 years of service to Honda of America Manufacturing, where she retired from in May of 2004. She had also worked for Meijer’s in Marion for several years.
Sharing a love for traveling with her husband, Allen, they enjoyed spending their winters in Okeechobee, Florida, and visiting Las Vegas and Hawaii every chance they got. They also loved camping in their R.V. in Florida, and at the County Music Park in Marengo.
With a knack for woodworking, if Doris saw a picture of something there was no doubt that she would be able to make it. She always made the best crafts for her friends and family. This favorite hobby of hers led her to buy any tool she thought would help her with her next project. She also loved to paint and draw.
Truly, Doris’ children and grandchildren were the loves of her life. Whenever they were involved in anything, such as showing their animals in the fair or programs at their schools, you would find her there taking pictures and being proud of their every accomplishment.
Always there for you, Doris put the needs of everyone before her own. She took care of her mother, her children and grandchildren, and she enjoyed spoiling them every chance she got.
Doris was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the American Legion Post 605 Auxiliary of Waldo, and a past member of the Waldo Sportsman Club. She had also been active in 4-H growing up, and she encouraged her children and grandchildren to do so also.
Doris will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Allen; her precious daughter, Tisha (Gordon) Hilliker of Marion; two loving sons: Shannon (Tami) Gerfen of Waldo, and Rick (Lorie) Gerfen of Marion; six beautiful grandchildren: Casey and Cody Hilliker, Alexus Gerfen, Clarissa, Emily, and Jacob Gerfen; her very special sister, Evelyn Jones of Marion; her dear brother and sister-in-law, Edgar (Joyce) Myers of Okeechobee, Florida; a half sister, Christine (Alfred) Schweirking of St. Paris, Ohio; brother and sister-in-laws: Robert (Donna) Barkley of Ashley, Richard (Betty) Gerfen of Waldo, Ronald (Linda) Gerfen of Delaware, Gary Gerfen of Marion, Lisa (John) Arthur of Waldo, Dennis (Arlene) Gerfen of Richwood, and many nieces and nephews.
Including her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her two brothers: Garland Van Buren and Lloyd Vinton Myers.
The Gerfen family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 135 W. Main St., with Pastors Sarah Schaaf and Dwight Hord officiating. Burial will follow in Waldo Cemetery. Family and friends will then all be welcomed to join them at a meal in Doris’ honor at the Fort Morrow Fire Dept. Banquet Hall, 306 N. Marion St.,Waldo.
Rather than flowers, Doris requested that memorial contributions may be made to the Marion County Rabbit Barn or the Fort Morrow Fire Dept., and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Doris’ family, and online condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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