Doris Mae Witmer

Doris Mae Witmer passed away on January 14, 2017 in Deming, New Mexico at the age of 95. Doris was born on June 10, 1921 to Oscar and Naomi Fish in Benton County, Iowa, in the same log house in which her mother had been born. She attended Benton County schools and Vinton High School. Then, when her family moved to Buchanan County, Iowa, she graduated from Brandon High School. Doris attended what was then Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, Iowa but did not graduate. In November of 1939 she married Robert Witmer and they lived for 12 years in Iowa before moving first to Madison, Missouri and then finally to Moberly. Doris and Robert, were charter members of Union Avenue Christian Church (now known as Timber Lake Christian Church). She taught Sunday School classes, taught in vacation Bible school, and helped Robert when he was church treasurer. In 2005 she moved to Deming New Mexico to live with her eldest son. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Robert, on August 15, 1992. Three siblings preceded her in death: a sister, Rose Ultis, in 1952, another sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Nielsen, in 2001 and her brother, Fred Fish, in 2002. One daughter-in-law, Cora Witmer, preceded her in death in 2009. In addition, one grandchild, Darla Jo Witmer (1971) and one great grandchild Amanda Paige Sutton (2004) also preceded her in death. She is survived by four children, three with spouses: Darrell and Mary Witmer of Deming, New Mexico; Russell and Jane Witmer of Paris, Illinois; Linda and David Parkes of Wentzville, Missouri; and Stephen Witmer, also of Deming, New Mexico. In addition, she is survived by one sister, Pauline Hertzberg of Brandon, Iowa. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. After a memorial service and cremation in Deming, New Mexico, Doris’ cremated remains will be brought back to Moberly for burial. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Timber Lake Christian Church, Moberly, Missouri with Pastor Doug Delp officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Million Taylor Funeral Homes of Moberly. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Doris Mae Witmer please visit our Sympathy Store.