Doris K. Schaef

“ Doris K. Schaef 4 7 ba ¢ November 6, 1918 ~ June 28, 2012 Doris Kathryn (Hart) Schaef of Linesville, Pa., 93, passed away at her home on ‘Thursday, June 28, 2012, after a three-year struggle with cancer. She was born Nov. 6, 1918 on Florida Ave., Lorain, Ohio, the third child and third daughter of Benjamin and Katherine (Otten) Hart. One of 11 children, she had six sisters and four brothers. She was married to Lyle Wesley Schaef for 53 years until he passed away November 17, 1993. During her childhood, her family moved often. Besides Lorain, she lived in other Ohio towns including, Bowerston, New Philadelphia, Midvale, Goshen, Uhrichsville, Fostoria, Cleveland, Brecksville, Independence, and Garfield Heights. She was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Benjamin Jr. and Robert Ellsworth, and two adult brothers, James William and William Hugh (Bill). She was also preceded in death by her adult sisters Betty Joreski, Anna Mae Chesnes, and June Marie Pfenninger. She is survived by sisters Carol Ruth Repella, of Aurora, Ohio, and her husband Tom; Dona Kay Mihokovich, of Safety Harbor, Fla., and her husband John, and Barbara Diane Haines, of Andover, Ohio, and her husband Glenn. She was married on March 30, 1940. She and Lyle were the parents of 14 children, nine sons and five daughters. Their son Wesley Ellis was fatally injured in a car accident at age 18 on Nov. 20, 1965. She is survived by her remaining 13 children: Russell James, and his wife Kazuko, of Aurora, CO, Katherine ‘Ann Scanlan, and her longtime partner Leon Furdiga, of Brattleboro, VI; Lyle David, of Linesville; Dale Henry, and his wife Twila, of Linesville; Sharon Ruth Mook Rogers, and her husband Bob Rogers, of Meadville; Dennis Ray and his companion Debra Morian, of Meadville; Danny Lee, and his wife Paula, of Conneaut Lake; Vickie Lynn Miller, of Cochranton; twins Keith Alan, and his wife Cathy, of Albion, and Kenneth Dean, and his wife Karen, of Clinton, OH; Dawn Elaine, of Harrisburg; Robin Gay, and her husband Bob Kulak, of Guys Mills; and Ronald Bruce, of Orwell, OH, and his fiancé, Connie Cross, of Harrisburg. She is also survived by 21 grandchildcen, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and her longtime companion, assistant, and friend, Claudia Bowser, of Meadville. She had an active life working with her husband on two different dairy farms. She enjoyed raising her children and attended many sports events to watch her children and grandchildren play baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, and track. She was an avid gardener and grew both flowers and organic vegetables. She canned and preserved most of the family food until she retired, was known for her home-made bread, and had a knack for making delicious baked goods. Her family wore her beautiful knitted hats, mittens and sweaters throughout the 40 years she sent children to school. In addition to caring for her own children and helping to babysit some of her grandchildren, she lovingly babysat more than 20 children who also knew her as “Grandma.” For many years she was a member of the local TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) club. She also enjoyed her collection of Hummel figurines, mostly gifts from her children and grandchildren, She took ‘two long trips, one to Colo. and Calif, and one to Hawaii, plus several to Vermont and Massachusetts. When she was able, she helped many families with home-made meals, and cared for several elderly sick friends and neighbors. After giving up farming and moving into town in 1968, she enjoyed walking and baking, visits from her family, reading, and handiwork and crafts such as knitting, hooking rugs, and embroidery. In the last few years, she loved getting outside in warm weather and sitting on her porch listening to the birds and the sounds of activity. She belonged to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Jefferson, Ohio. Calling hours will be private. Her funeral services will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Linesville Cemetery. ‘The family would like to thank the nurses and others from Southern Care Hospice, especially Chris and Stacy, and many other helpers, especially over the past several years, as their care and kindnesses were invaluable. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 89 E. Satin St, Jefferson, Ohio, 44047, ot to Southern Care, 1245 Park Ave., Meadville, Pa., 16335. Arrangements are under the direction of Royal-Coleman Funeral Home, 6028 U.S. Highway 6, Linesville.