Doris Annette Spann, 100, North Manchester, Indiana died at 12:35 p.m. Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center. She was the youngest of six children born on February 11, 1918 in Kosciusko County, Indiana to Ford & Lizzie (Miller) Landis. Doris had lived on farms all her life in the North Manchester area.
She attended Haines Elementary School and graduated from Sidney High School in 1936. Doris attended International Business College in Fort Wayne, IN and then went to work as a secretary at Keener Packing Co. until she found work at the Pioneer Trouser Co. On June 4, 1938, Doris married Leonard Spann in North Manchester. They spent much of their married lives on small farms just north of North Manchester.
They became parents to two children, J. Alan and Sharon. Until the children were in middle school, Doris stayed home to care for them but she then found work in the Sidney School office for four years. She also worked at the Heifer Project office for eight years, Moorman’s Feed Co. for two years, Manchester College Personnel office for nine years and the Timbercrest Retirement Community office for 3 ½ years.
She was also a clerk for many livestock auctions where Leonard bought animals for a packing firm in Detroit. Doris was very active in the Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren. She conducted Bible school, served in the children’s department and as a deaconess.
She was the only living member of the Liberty Mills Church who attended Plunge Creek Chapel that burned in 1929 and relocated in Liberty Mills. Doris is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Paul) Beam, Hoagland, Indiana, two granddaughters and one grandson. She also has four great-grandsons.
Her son J. Alan Spann died in 2003. Her daughter-in-law, JoEllen is also deceased. Doris had many hobbies which included walking, reading, counted cross-stitch, playing cards, crossword puzzles, calligraphy, and watching the Manchester girls’ basketball team, for which she was an adoptive grandmother.
She was also a member of the Town and Country Club for 76 years. After spending 7 winters in Florida, Doris and Leonard moved to Timbercrest to an independent living home on Hickory Lane. Leonard passed away in 1995.
Doris moved into the Manor in 2013 and transferred to healthcare this June. Doris enjoyed the Timbercrest community and all the programs provided. She also volunteered in the Timbercrest Gift Shop and served on two music committees.
She said there was never a dull moment and it was a delight to have such wonderful neighbors. Friends and family may call Friday, November, 9, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, Indiana. Services for Doris will be held Friday, November 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Timbercrest Chapel.
Pastor Kelly Beutler and Pastor Erin Huiras will officiate and a private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, Indiana. In honor of Doris Spann, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren, 103 North 3rd Street, Liberty Mills, Indiana or Timbercrest Charitable Assistance Fund, PO Box 501, North Manchester, Indiana or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814.
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