Doris Ely, 93, of Medina Twp., MI, died Monday evening, May 26, 2014, at Provincial House in Adrian, MI. She was born September 26, 1920, in Henry County, OH, to the late Theodore and Mearle (Dailey) Leininger. She married John W. Ely on November 11, 1939, in Wauseon, OH, and he preceded her in death on November 11, 2006.
Doris graduated from Archbold High School Class of 1938, and was active in several organizations in the area during her life. She was a 4-H member and leader, and belonged to the Lime Creek Grange, Michigan State & National Grange, Farm Bureau, Lenawee Pomona Grange, Grange Campers, MMPH, and Borderline Square Dance club. In 1994, she was inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame. Doris was a member of the Fayette United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for 28 years. She enjoyed crocheting and flowers, and deeply loved her family.
Surviving Doris are her two sons, Ronald (Cretta) Ely of Waldron, MI, and Keith (Kathy) Ely of Knoxville, TN; a sister, Jane (Darrel) Knisely of Fayette; four grandchildren, Kristine (Ron) Witt of Cement City, MI, Brenda (Doug) Smelser of Dearborn, MI, Michael (Karen) Ely of Morenci, MI, and Karie Ely of Knoxville, TN; six great-grandchildren, Carmen, Jamie, Tara, Corey, Kylie, and Austin; and a great-great granddaughter, Vedah.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Florence Ziegler, Dorothy Meehan, Rita Stonebreaker, and Marilyn Sarnac; two brothers, Leroy and Claire Leininger; and a great-granddaughter in infancy, Krista Witt.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorial donations in honor of Doris to the Fayette United Methodist Church or charity of the donor’s choice.
Friends can share memories and condolences with the Ely family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
