Doris Stender

DORIS E. STENDER Our mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on October 21, 2013 and entered heaven to meet her beloved husband, Chuck. Doris E. (Micham) Stender was born on July 22, 1924 to Fred and Minnie Micham. The youngest of nine children, she grew up in Toledo, graduated from Woodward High School and worked for a short time at Willys Overland. She met the love of her life, Charles Stender at the Trianon Ballroom. They corresponded while he fought in WW II and their romance blossomed through their letters. They each saved all of their letters and we now have a memento of their love. Their marriage was a perfect example for everyone who knew them. They had a wonderful, loving and caring relationship. Mom always said she’d be so happy to see Dad again, but hated to leave all of us behind. Every year on their anniversary, a dozen white roses would arrive with the card, All My Love, All My Life. After Chuck’s death in 1999, the flowers still arrived on their anniversary signed All Our Love, All Our Lives from their children. Doris’ favorite role was being a wife and mother to her three children. She taught her children strong values and she was so very proud of her family. She adored her seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren who called her “Tick Tock” and loved her so much. She enjoyed spending time with all of them and they never left the house without M & M’s in a baggie. Doris was the most caring, wonderful and compassionate person. She never failed to ask how you were feeling or if things were going OK. She always put everyone else’s needs above her own even up until the last hours of her life. She was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church for over 70 years. She was active in Couples Club, Luther League, Women of the Church and serving Rotary lunches. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone at Hospice of NW Ohio for their compassion and loving care. Doris was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters and her husband, Charles Stender. She is survived by her children; Ron (Linda) Stender; Darlene (Tom) Stokes and Todd (Kristi) Stender; grandchildren, Traci (Kevin) Gravelle; Tara (Brad) Kunzelman; Troy (Lisa) Stokes; Tami (Matt) Mallone; Ryan Stokes; Scott Stender and Jason Stender; great grandchildren, Ben, Ethan and Elise Gravelle; Landen and Audrey Kunzelman and Victoria and Anna Stokes; her sister, Alta Schmaus and in-laws, Emil (Margie) Stender and Ed (Gail) Stender and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Neville Funeral Home, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland (419-865-8879) from 2-8 pm Thursday October 24, 2013. Funeral services will be held at the Epiphany Lutheran Church, 915 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo on Friday October 25, 2013 where the family will receive friends from 9 am until start of service at 10 am. Burial will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Epiphany Lutheran Church or Hospice of NW Ohio. Online condolences may be made to the family at nevillefuneralhome.com. ALL OUR LOVE, ALL OUR LIVES, WE WILL MISS YOU, BUT WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.