Doris Mae Freewalt

Doris Mae (Washburn) Freewalt, age 91, of rural Mendon, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Shane Hill, Rockford.

She was born July 11, 1934,  in Jennings Township, Van Wert County, to the late Harley & Violet (Wheeler) Washburn.

Doris married Orland Freewalt on December 31, 1950, and they had celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary before Orland passed on March 10, 2023.

Surviving are their three children: Larry (Cheryl) Freewalt of Ohio City, Edward K. Freewalt of Van Wert, and Linda (Rick) Etgen of Mendon, four grandchildren: Jason (Erika) Freewalt, Rachel (Charlie) Reed, Shawn (Erika) Freewalt and Darrell (Nancy) Etgen, 23 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a sister-in-law, Helen Washburn of St. Marys.

Doris was preceded in death by a granddaughter, April Etgen Buckler, grandson, Jerry Freewalt, great-grandson, Joshua Etgen, brothers and sisters: James (Tillie) Washburn, Donald Washburn, Mary (William) Houser, and Shirley (Donald) Clement, her parents-in-law: Edward & Nora (Smith) Freewalt, and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Forest Freewalt, Denver (Martha) Freewalt, and Mary Jean (Howard) Lauth.

Doris was a nurse at Joint Township Hospital in St. Marys.  She had attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, near Mendon.  After her retirement, she enjoyed having her family around her.  She was always baking and cooking for everyone.  Doris always had a smile, a pot of coffee on, and time to listen to us all.  She was a mom and grandma to everyone.  The kids all loved playing in her 40 Acre Woods.  The adventures we had will always be with us. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, with Pastor Randy Christian officiating.

Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery.

Calling Hours are from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday, March 6, and an hour prior to services on Saturday, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Mendon.

A Nightingale Tribute will be held at the Funeral Home at 6:00 PM Friday evening.  To be presented by the Nurse Honor Guard of Mercer County, the ceremony will be performed in honor of Doris' years of dedication to the nursing profession. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mendon Union Fire Department, 103 Drake St., P.O. Box 38, Mendon 45862. 

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