Doris Joanne Williams

Born Aug. 26, 1953, in Miami, Fla., she had lived in Streetsboro before moving to Munson Township nine years ago.

Doris was active with Meal-on-Wheels in Chester Township and Chardon and her love of animals lead her to being a benefactor of both the Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village and The Geauga County Dog Pound.

Doris and her husband, Richard, taught a class through the Geauga Chapter of the Red Cross on pet first-aid. So much of that knowledge was acquired by Doris in her training as a veterinary assistant and was later used as the basis for a course handbook and guide for the continuation of the pet first-aid course. The Cleveland Zoological Society recognized them for their work by making them honorary members.

Doris was also a member of Society For Creative Anachronism (SCA) and her persona was ""Sonja."" She enjoyed visiting the ""Pennsic Wars"" held annually in Pennsylvania by the SCA and would dress in clothing of the times depicted. Her participation was that of an observer, enjoying the fun and camaraderie inherent with the activities involved. The same is true with the Medieval Faire held in Ohio. Celtic music was also a love of hers.

Having an American Indian heritage, Doris was respectful not only animals but the environment and nature in general. It was important to her to ""maintain the balance of nature and that all creation must be respected."" That we ""take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more"" and to ""enjoy life's journey.""

Doris helped her husband with his bowling tutoring, setting and confirming appointments with clients.

Over the years, she had worked as a veterinary assist in Bainbridge and Streetsboro, delivered The News-Herald in the Middlefield and Chardon areas and in the bakeries in the Giant Eagle stores in Tanglewood and Chester Township.

Survivors are her husband, Richard; sons, Christopher (Jessica) and Jason; mother, Marilyn Spencer (nee Welker); sisters, Barbara (Jerry) Anderson and Kathy Wilson; and brother, Marion James ""Jimmy"" (Patti) Spencer Jr.

She was preceded in death by her father, Marion James Spencer Sr.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township.

Services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2012, at the funeral home. The Rev. Pam Branscome will officiate.

Donations in Doris' memory are suggested and would be appreciated to either the Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Novelty OH 44072 or The Geauga County Dog Shelter, 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon OH 44024.