Dorotha Jean Vanaman

Jean passed away peacefully on August 23, 2018. She was born in Deshler, Ohio on August 2, 1925 to Ernest and Edna Meyer. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Donald and Kenneth Meyer. She is survived by her loving husband, Sheldon ‘Bill’ Vanaman; son, David Vanaman; daughters, Nancy (Alan) Lindenmier and Casandra (Calvin) Watts; sister, Marcile Carlson; 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was the last surviving Charter Member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. She and Bill were the first couple to be married there in 1950. Bill and Jean celebrated their 68th Anniversary on August 20th, 2018.

Jean was a talented and dedicated wife, mother and homemaker. Almost everyone she met ended up receiving one of her beautiful afghans and she nearly always included a note with the number of stitches each took to make, just for the fun of it. All of the children, grandchildren and their friends loved to see her and knew her as the “Cookie Lady”. She always had a smile and kind words to give. Her smile, kindness and grace will be greatly missed.

A visitation will take place at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Wednesday, August 29. A celebration of her life and gentle soul will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2226 N. Corona Street at 11:00 AM. A reception will immediately follow. All are welcome to celebrate with us.