Dora Jean McPherson

Dora Jean McPherson, age 87, of Canton passed away on Monday, November 8, 2011 at Bethany Rest Home at Canton. She was born to the late Tom and Bernice (Spring) Gowins at Stone Creek, Ohio on December 31, 1923. Jean, as she was known to family and friends, married Paul McPherson on August 2 1947 and they made their home in Canton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years in November of 1986. Jean is survived by sons Stanley of Canton, Kenneth (Donna) of Minerva, Bruce (Bonny) of Louisville, Duane (Rose) of Poland, OH, David (Gloria) of Kent, and daughter Esther Jean (Ted) of Medina, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two brothers Earl (Delores) of Nashville, Tom (Helen) of Orrville, three sisters Margaret Boyd (Bill) of Dover, Polly Wilson (Brian) of Canton, Mary Douglas of California and preceded in death by five brothers Donald, Elden, Gary, Dale and Russell. Jean was an accomplished homemaker. She was characterized by a quiet disposition, an open friendly manner, and a good sense of humor. Her talented hands were never idle. Cooking, baking and needlecraft were her strong interests and her endeavors in these skills were widely acknowledged and appreciated. She was employed by the Bethany Rest Home where she worked as a cook before retiring in 1999. Jean’s long commitment and meritorious service to the rest home was endorsed by owner John Baum when he kindly extended to her an invitation to become a resident. The family extends grateful thanks to Bethany management and staff for the devoted care which Jean has received. They have particularly appreciated the cheery atmosphere and caring attitudes exemplified in Bethany’s service to their mother. Dr. Betsy Baum is warmly thanked for her care of Jean. Similarly the supplementary care given by Crossroads Hospice is acknowledged and appreciated. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 11, 2011, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and again one hour prior to services on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM. A funeral service celebrating Jean’s life will be led by Irving Ross and Bill Houston on Saturday at 1:30 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following services the family invites guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home’s website.Contributions in Jean’s memory may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Drive, Suite E, Green, OH 44685.