Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Martha Joan Douglass

FUNERAL HOME

Snyder Funeral Homes, Marion Avenue Chapel

350 Marion Ave

Mansfield, Ohio

Martha Douglass Obituary

Martha Joan Douglass

MANSFIELD: Martha Joan Douglass passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in The Waterford in Mansfield. She was 91.

She was born February 9, 1924 to parents Walter & Bertha (Houston) Turner in Mansfield. Joan was graduated from Mansfield Senior High. She worked in the office at H.L. Reed before marrying her husband.

She married Lawrence A. Douglass on December 1, 1942 and they spent many wonderful years together until he passed away in 1983.

Joan will be remembered as an effective local realtor. She became interested in politics and community service and was active in local Republican politics, becoming the first woman on Mansfield City Council. She then was elected to the office of State Representative. After the death of her husband, she moved to Columbus to become the receptionist for Gov. George Voinovich. After Mike DeWine and George Voinovich became Ohio senators, she was asked to be their receptionist in the Columbus office. She retired in 2000. Joan was such a positive person and touched many lives.

She was an attendee at Mansfield First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Joan enjoyed sailing and was a member of the Clear Fork Sailing Club. She was also a member of Altrusa and DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).

She is survived by children Ronald Douglass of Mansfield, Susan (Ronald) Muth of Mansfield and Melinda (David) Foster of Mammoth Lakes, CA; grandson Tyler (Sally) Muth of Potomac, MD; great-grandchildren Colin and Natalie; sister Jeanie Auxter of Mansfield; nephews Don (Carol) Burton, Jon (Christine) Burton, Mark Reinhardt, Steve Reinhardt; niece Diane (Steve) Okon.

In addition to her loving husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents May and Sylvester Houston; sister Aileen Burton and her husband Charles Burton; brother-in-law Earl Auxter.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at The Waterford, OhioHealth Hospice and Servant's Heart Caregivers.

The Douglass family will receive friends Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 10 to 12 p.m. in the Marion Avenue Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 350 Marion Avenue, where a Celebration of Life honoring Joan will immediately begin at 12 p.m. Pastor Mike Herring will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's memory to Richland County Foundation or OhioHealth Hospice may be made at the funeral home.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Joan's family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Journal from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Douglass

16 Entries

Jean Bright

February 3, 2016

Jeanne, So sorry to hear about your sister. I know you were so close. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless.

patricia brook

January 28, 2016

Susie and family, I am so sorry to see about the loss of your mother. I met Joan while being active in the Republican Party along with my husband,Bob. She was always smiling, happy, in the know, humble and just a sweetie. She loved her involvement in politics as did Bob and they became good friends. She is a part of Ohio history and is now greeting saved souls at the pearly gate. Pat Brook

Frank and Janet Ardis

January 27, 2016

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Joan. All of her family are in our thoughts and prayers. Joan was an inspiring, thoughtful, and dedicated public servant who will be greatly missed.

Tashicka Carter

January 25, 2016

Mrs.Douglass always had a smile for me every morning when i would come to assist her in the mornings at the waterford.It was a pleasure to conversate with her.May God Strengthen, Heal & give Peace to the entire family.

Burt and Prue Preston

January 25, 2016

So sorry to hear of Joan's passing. We remember her as a dynamic and thoughtful person who will be missed by many. We spent many pleasant afternoon's with her and Larry at the Mansfield Sailing Club. Our condolences to the whole family.

Brad Preston

January 25, 2016

Ron, Susie, and Melinda
Sorry to see that your Mom has sailed over the horizon for the last time. I hadn't seen her for a couple of years, but she was always the same as when we were kids.
I will be out of town this week so I won't be able to come to the calling hours. I would have liked to catch up with you all.

January 24, 2016

Susie, Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. When my wife was an officer in the AMVETS ladies auxiliary, she remembers how kind and always smiling your mother was when she spoke to her. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John & Cathy Teale

justine fellure

January 24, 2016

I met Joan a few years ago. My sincerest thoughts to her family. Joan was always smiling, she had a kind word for everyone, her knowledge,sincerity and humbleness left everyone she met feeling special. It was a privilege and an honor to have known her.

January 24, 2016

Susie, so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mom. Please extend my sympathy to your family. Nancy Brown Kurtz

KAREN HIGGINS

January 23, 2016

JOAN HAS BEEN ON MY MIND LATELY. IN FACT, I MADE A MENTAL NOTE TO CALL HER SOON. I LOVED HER LETTERS AND HER ATTENTION TO FACTS OF THE FAMILY. ANDY AND I HAD SUCH A LOVELY VISIT WITH HER IN AUGUST WHEN MOM WAS DOING SO POORLY. IN FACT, SHE WAITED FOR US IN THE DINING ROOM AFTER HOURS TO VISIT. ANDY AND I BOTH LOVED THE PICTURE OF HER IN HER COLUMBUS DAYS THAT WAS HANGING IN HER WATERFORD ROOM. IN FACT, THAT IS HOW I PICTURE HER NOW...WITH WINGS AND A SMILE. SHE ALWAYS CALLED ME HER POLITICAL DAUGHTER. I LOVED THE WAY SHE KEPT POLITICAL LITERATURE TUCKED AWAY IN HER WHEELCHAIR. LOVE, KAREN

Debbie Parker

January 22, 2016

Sing with the angels Joan.

Debbie Parker

January 22, 2016

God brought Joan and I together 8 years ago. She and I spoke of this often. We both needed each other. She was my friend, my neighbor and my Ohio mom. I had the pleasure to spend a lot of time with Joan and she was a true angel. I have great memories that I will cherish. I am going to miss our morning conversations we would have while I drove to work. I loved her with all my heart. Until we meet again my sweet Joan.

Rhonda Wicker

January 22, 2016

Jeanie & Susie,

Thank you for giving us the privilege of Caring for Joan. We were truly honored to be with her in her final days. She was so excited about meeting her Lord, and it was a blessing to be with her when she did. We will continue to hold each of you up in prayer.
Servant's Heart Caregivers

Pat Plack

January 22, 2016

To all of Dear Joan's family, I will miss her so much! She was not only a relative to me, but a special friend. She was an inspiration to all who knew her(your dad too). She was fun, smart,a beautiful soul who was always a joy to be around. She always kept me informed about our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Tom and Pat(ti Collins) Plack

Elizabeth Nunn

January 22, 2016

Joan Douglass Family so sorry for your loss. I have so many awesome memories of my friend Joan. We celebrated a lot of together Birthdays together. She'll celebrate a new one in heaven. I'll miss her when I celebrate mine here. God Bless and may our Lord hold you all very tightly during this journey.

Ellen Kinkedr

January 22, 2016

I worked with Joan in Senator Voinovich's office in Columbus. I also know her through my parents and the Ohio Republican party. She was a great lady with the most wonderful sense of humor. Everyone loved her so. She will be greatly missed.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results