Doris Ann Shank

Doris A. Shank, 76, died April 5, 2011, in San Antonio, TX, after a 5-year battle with ALS. Ms. Shank was born March 13, 1935, in South Willamsport, PA, to Ralph and Eleanor Rathmell. She moved to Mertzon, TX, in 1978.

During her years in Mertzon, Doris owned a ceramic shop, ran the community pool, and was a school secretary for Irion County ISD. She served as a Girl Scout leader for 42 years and was one of the recipients of the 2008 Woman of Distinction Award bestowed by the Girl Scout Association. She devoted much of her time and energy to the community of Mertzon as well, as a volunteer, teacher, and friend.

After graduating from high school Doris joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. She loved music and sang with her dad’s band. She represented the Air Force when she sang on the Pat Boone Show on WFAA TV in Fort Worth, Texas

In addition to her mother, Eleanor (Mammie), she is survived by her sisters, Esther Thorp, and Kay Cillo (Dolf); brother, Ken Rathmell (Anne); daughters, Deb Ivy, Donna Shuey (Bill), and Cathy DeLaughter; sons, Tom Mase (Liz), Scott Steppe (Karla), and Anthony Shank; grandchildren, Wade Ivy, Sara Myers, Ginny Krise, Kelly Shuey, William Shuey, Matt Shuey, Mike Shuey, Doug Mase, Heather Mase, Brian DeLaughter, Jessica Parker, Kensie Yarbrough, Vikki Steppe, Whitney Mull, Krista Muir, and Samantha Shank; and 7 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, brother Joe Rathmell, and grandson Bryan Steppe.

Visitation will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, April 8, 2011 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April, 9, 2011 in the Johnson’s Funeral home Chapel with graveside services following at Sherwood Cemetery in Mertzon, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association of South Texas.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.