Doris Lavon Rheam

was the daughter of missionaries to the Native Americans in New

Mexico and Northern Arizona.

Her youth inspired her to desire becoming a nurse to this same

community, a desire that was not to be. She married and

became a mother, the job she loved above all other vocations.

Doris returned to Warsaw where she worked at the Dalton

Foundry. She was a single mother to 3 children when she met a

gentleman recently discharged from the Army — Michael Rheam.

Mike was a single father to 3 children. What began at the water

fountain, with Mike admiring this lovely young lady, grew into

love and blossomed into a marriage that lasted 48 years. The

Love continues…

Their blended family included 7 children, 11 Grandchildren and 15

Great-Grandchildren, punctuated by a foster daughter that lived

with them. Doris’s love for all their children was unconditional.

She was a “mama bear” when it came to her family, protecting

them and at the same time correcting them so they grew into

competent adults. The Lord took one of their precious babies

home early and she greeted Doris when she arrived in Heaven.

Moving to Arizona, Doris worked at Motorola for 17 years.

Doris loved music and at one time contemplated becoming a

music teacher. She was an accomplished pianist, as well as

playing the accordion and the harpsichord. Music filled their

home, bringing joy to her family every day.

She spent time on a farm, so hard work was expected. Even

when that meant trying to get Steve’s jean jacket away from him

to clean it. Once there was even a tug of war between Doris and

her son! I am not sure who won that battle.

Doris never met a stranger, always wanting to talk and help out

where needed. She and Mike helped me with Santa Claus and

Company when we were just staring a photo studio. She would

faithfully be there every day to greet the families who came in for

photos. She also showed the Love of Christ to our clients,

photographers, Santa’s and elves. They only stopped working

with us when her illness prevented her from coming in.

Doris’s life is reflective of her love for her Savior and for His

word:

“From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are

able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith

which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and

profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in

righteousness; so that the man (and woman) of God may be

adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17