Doris A Oglesby

Born September 29, 1926, in Long Beach, California, Doris was the daughter of Jacob and Anna Schmitt. She met her husband, Howard, in 1948 when both worked at Servel Corporation in Evansville. Together…with the help and guidance of God…they built a life filled with love, laughter, faith, family and community. She was married to Howard for 62 years before his death in 2010. Their life together was a testament to the deepest meaning and holy nature of the marriage bond.

Doris defined the word “mother”. She raised Steve and Luann (and most often, their friends) with tenderness, strength and honesty. Her home was warm and welcoming. The neighborhood played in her yard, and most all meals were prepared by her own hands.

Steve says, “she never threatened… “Wait ’til your father gets home!” - you’d just be in trouble…twice.”

That powerful love was never overwhelmed by the pressures of any era or any person. Her secret to life…” Don’t worry.”

Doris was actively involved in her community, her children’s schools, social groups and volunteer work. She was passionate about the art of floral presentations and served as President of the Indiana Garden Club.

She was a devoted, tireless member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ from April 30, 1939…until this past Sunday.

Serving her church with tremendous faithfulness by being an Elder and Financial Secretary for the Church Council, President of the Women’s Guild, sending out acknowledgments for the Memorial Committee, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and participating in the Women Energizing Bethlehem group. Doris not only shared her wonderful spirit with her church family but with the wider community. Every Tuesday for years, Doris spent the day at Good Samaritan Nursing Home mending clothes for the residents. She also involved herself in the Weekday Christian Education Ministry which provides Christian education to school children who don’t have the opportunity to learn about God.

A brilliant soprano, Doris was an anchor in Bethlehem’s Chancel Choir and widely sought after as a soloist across the region in her younger days. Very smart, tenacious and fair, Doris outlived all of her generation. She maintained herself and her lifestyle with grace and style right to the last days of life.

She is survived by her children Steve Oglesby and Luann Bird; grandchildren Sean Oglesby, Morgan Reaves, Robyn Oglesby and Katy Hope; great-grandchildren Elliott and Harrison Reaves, Jackson Hope, Ben Oglesby and Alex Oglesby.

Visitation will be Monday, September 28, 2026, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Road from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Services will commence at 11:00 am with Pastor Emily Slade officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to remember Doris should be directed to the Bethlehem United Church of Christ Memorial Fund.