Doris Ann Goldner

With her vibrant and fun-loving personality, Doris Goldner brought the world around her to life. She was one of the most gracious and genuine people around, and her spirit of generosity had no equal. Doris was deeply devoted to her family, and she treasured her roles as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother as well. The love she had for others extended much deeper than just to the people around her as she also gave of her time and resources to make a better life for countless animals in her community. Taken from her loved ones too soon, Doris leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her family and friends will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It seems only fitting that Doris journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the 1950s when James Dean and Marilyn Monroe shined on the silver screen and while Elvis introduced the world to rock n roll. This was also the decade when televisions were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, and shows like I Love Lucy changed the way we saw ourselves. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1951 when Eugene and Martha (McKinney) Mullins were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as November dawned in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Doris Ann drew her first breath on November 8th. She was one of six children born to her parents, and she loved playing with her siblings. To support his family, Doris father owned several secondhand stores, and she was raised primarily in Ohio and Kentucky. It was while in high school that the Mullins family moved to McDowell, Kentucky.

In many ways Doris was a young girl of her generation. She was great with her hula hoop and playing with Slinkies. This was back in the day when a quarter would last her all day when she and her friends went down to the local pharmacy to get one of their favorite drinks made by the soda jerk from the soda fountain. Doris attended schools locally. Her high school years found her at McDowell High School where she ran track and one was one of the fastest girls in the school.

There was never anything that was of greater significance in Doris life than her loved ones. She treasured her role as a mother, and later in life it only became sweeter when grandchildren came along. In addition, Doris was blessed to have a special relationship with her older sister, Deawanna. Some of her best memories with her family were created during Christmastime. Doris absolutely loved this time of year, and she went over and above to make it special for her family. Her skills in the kitchen were fantastic, and she was learning new tips and tricks from the cooking shows she enjoyed watching. Among Doris specialties were her cabbage rolls, green beans with ham and potatoes and corn bread, soup beans, and her biscuits and gravy. Sometimes family gatherings included playing a lively game of Pictionary, which was one of her favorite things.

It was in 1976 when Doris moved to Columbia City, Indiana. She soon took a job at United Technologies\ Essex, and she remained working there for 33 years. In more recent years Doris worked as a custodian with Northern Heights Elementary School. Life was forever changed for her when a friend led her to a new life in Christ, and from that point forward she exemplified what it means to be a Christian woman. Doris would become a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Kendallville. She was never overbearing or boisterous, but she did love witnessing to others about God. Doris was also the hands and feet of the Lord she loved through the way she continually gave to others. She was very attentive to others and somehow managed to find a way to meet their needs simply because she was listening to what was on their hearts. One such example is how Doris bought shoes for children who couldnt afford them at the local schools. Shewould dress up as a clown and visit area nursing homes and to bring joy to those who lived there. Out of her love for animals she helped her daughter out at the shelter, also generously donated to the local Humane Society of Whitley County and helped them in their fundraising efforts as well. Over the years, Doris treasured the companionship of her special Boston Terriers, Buddy, Bailey, Baxter, and Barney.

Although much of her life was dedicated to loving and serving others, Doris did enjoy spending time doing some of the things she loved. She enjoyed square dancing and listening to doo-wop music from the 1950s and 1960s as well as shopping for treasures. Doris also liked gardening and doing things like puzzles, crosswords, and playing Scrabble.

All who knew Doris Goldner would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. Her primary focus was on loving and giving to others, and her zest for life was truly contagious. Doris cherished each and every moment she spent with her loved ones, and the memories they made together will never be forgotten.

Doris Ann Goldner, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 7, 2017 with her children by her side. Survivors include her children, Katrina Tendziegloski of Warsaw, Melissa Tendziegloski of Columbia City; John Goldner of Pierceton, Misty Reynolds of Columbia City, and Troy Goldner of Columbia City; sisters, Deawanna Justice of Melvin, Kentucky and Debbie (Danny) Lawson of Lexington, Kentucky; and brothers, Dan (Katie) Mullins of Lexington, Kentucky and David (Karen) Mullins of Wittensville, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Heaven, Zachary, John Jarrett, Jeffery and Karsten; and two special great-grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Mullins.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Boston officiating. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given her memory to the Humane Society of Whitley County. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.