Doris Spence Birney

Doris J. Ankrom Spence Birney, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her home in New Rumley.

Born June 13, 1936, in Smithfield, she was a daughter of the late Everett H. Ankrom and Stella Smith Ankrom. Doris was a 1954 graduate of Jewett High School and worked for 15 years in the Jewett Elementary School cafeteria. But the job she loved the most was being a homemaker, mom and grandma. She made phone calls to each of her children every day.

A member of the New Rumley Global Methodist Church, Doris enjoyed being outside working in her yard and tending to her flowers and garden. She enjoyed canning the vegetables she grew and baking delicious treats that she shared with her family and friends.

Surviving is her husband Larry G. Birney whom she married on March 10, 1978, and would have celebrated 48 years together. Also surviving are children Curtis (Mel) Spence of Iowa, Tonya Spence McGarry of Florida, Pamela (Darin) Spence Jones of Warren, Greg (Hollie) Spence of Orlando, FL, Pamela (Curt) Cope of Dover and Barry (Kim) Birney of Parkersburg, WV; twenty-one grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her first husband, and the love of her life, Fred T. Spence on August 4, 1973. Also preceding her in death are sisters Martha Davis, Edna Brodzinski, Helen Leeper, Jean Davia and Inez Bailey, brothers Ralph Ankron, Tom Ankrom, Jay Ankrom and Richard “Dick” Ankrom, a grandson Jamie McGarry II, a great granddaughter Presleigh and a great-great granddaughter Makayla.

Services will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11 am in New Rumley Global Methodist Church, 41395 Scio-New Rumley Rd, Scio, Ohio 43988 with her son, Rev. Greg Spence (ret), her grandson, Pastor Landon McGarry and Pastor Mike Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Jewett. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to New Rumley Global Church.

She left a legacy to us children that has truly inspired us all. We love you, Momma; until we meet again, you will be forever in our hearts.

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