Doris J. Doerfler, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away Friday evening, January 2, 2015 at Oak Terrace Nursing Care Center in Springfield, IL. Dorie was born December 14, 1926, the daughter of the late Marie and Charles Thornhill of Fort Wayne, IN.

A brother, Robert Thornhill, also preceded her in death. She was married to Richard Doerfler on August 31, 1947, and he preceded her in death after nearly 60 years of marriage. She is survived by their children, Gary Doerfler of Alexandria, VA, Janet (Ken) Gray of Radford, VA, and Jill (Mark) Gerberding of Springfield, IL; 5 granddaughters- Lisa (Richard) Card of Kalamazoo, MI, Jennifer Gray of Charlotte, NC, Carrie Gerberding of Mexico, MO, Sara Gerberding and Amy Gerberding, Springfield, and a great-granddaughter Alexandra Card, with whom she shared a birthdate. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Eileen Weber and Marilyn Berning of Fort Wayne, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Dorie was a stay-at-home mom, volunteer for a number of church and civic organizations in the Fort Wayne and Vero Beach communities, an avid bridge player, and a proud Senior Athlete in tennis, running, and bowling. She was a faithful member of Lutheran congregations in her home towns, Bethlehem Lutheran of Fort Wayne and Redeemer Lutheran of Vero Beach. She most recently attended Our Savior''s Lutheran Church of Springfield.

Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm Saturday, January 10, 2015, at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, with Funeral Rites at 1 pm. Reverend Thomas Eggold will preside. Memorials may be given to Our Savior''s Lutheran School of Springfield, or the donor''s choice.