Doris Simon

In the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2022, Doris Simon, 89, of Elkhart, peacefully slipped into the arms of Jesus.

She was born on Oct. 19, 1932, to the late Samuel and Ellen (Shank) Hostetter in York, Pennsylvania. On April 8, 1950, she married Alfred Carte who preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 1964. On July 18, 1970, she married Dale Simon, who preceded her in death on Sept. 30, 2017.

Doris worked a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime, including Village Clerk of Walbridge, Ohio, and in food service at ONU in Ada, Ohio. She was an active member of Grace UM Church in Walbridge and Church of Christ Disciples in Ada. She lived her faith and continued daily devotionals until the time of her passing. Her ministry was helping others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. She would take those without transportation to doctor appointments and grocery shopping. She contributed to food banks and donated to charities that served others.

Doris enjoyed traveling the U.S. with Dale, visiting with family and friends along the way. They spent many happy hours fishing together, attending Ada High School sporting events, and watching OSU football and basketball games. She loved her Detroit Tigers. She taught herself to knit and created many beautiful baby and wedding afghans along with other craft gifts for family and friends.

Her greatest talent was her gift of loving relationships. She cherished spending time with family and celebrating life's milestones with them. She loved organizing family gatherings and reunions. She found joy in taking and sharing photos of those events. She enjoyed attending sporting events and activities of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Staying connected with extended family and lifelong friends was very precious to her.

Doris is survived by three daughters, Jean (David) Kissling, Jody Holtrey and Linda (Bob) Kohl; a son-in-law, Jerry Deguire; 11 grandchildren, Vicki Harper, Debbie Foster, Annette (Rob) Richardson, Diana (Don) Jander, Troy (Beth) Holtrey, Tracy Brownstein, Reggie (Maree) Holtrey, James (Jamie) Young, Jason (Jessica) Young, Sarah Kohl and Amber Kohl; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by two daughters, Carol Gordon and Elizabeth Deguire; son-in-law, Ron Holtrey; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles (Ruth) Hostetter and Glenn (Elsie) Hostetter.

The family requests that your memorial gift would be to follow her example of relationship building and service. Stay connected or reconnect with family and friends. Look for ways to be kind or lend a helping hand. Contribute to organizations that serve others.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. at Central Christian Church in Elkhart, Indiana, with memorial visitation one hour prior at the church. The Rev. Dr. Douglas Cripe will be officiating. Her request was to be cremated.

There will be an additional gathering in Ada, Ohio, at a future date.

Services have been entrusted to Chapel Hill Funeral Home.