Doris A. (Elwer) Kray

Doris A. Kray, 82, of Butler, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Orchard Pointe Health Campus in Kendallville.

She was born on Nov. 2, 1941, in Delphos, Ohio, to Otto W. and Dorothy S. (Frederick) Elwer.

Doris graduated from St. John’s High School in Delphos, Ohio. She then received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from St. Francis College and a Master of Science degree in Education from St. Francis College.

She married Gerald L. Kray on Aug. 10, 1963, in Delphos, Ohio, and he passed away on Jan. 18, 2017.

Doris taught at St. Andrews Elementary School for one year and then for East Allen County Schools for 28 years, retiring in 1999. She also owned and operated Kray Orchard in Butler.

With a profound commitment to education, Doris taught many years of elementary school, inspiring countless students with her passion for learning and her unwavering support. In addition to her remarkable career in teaching, Doris was a devoted mother, wife, and a loving aunt to multiple nieces & nephews, always prioritizing family and nurturing relationships with boundless affection. Her love and care reached beyond her immediate family, creating an extended family of cherished friends that will continue to honor her memory.

Together with husband Gerald of 52 years, Doris was the proud co-owner of Kray Orchard. She embraced the orchard business with the same enthusiasm and dedication that marked every aspect of her life. Doris became the vibrant social face of the orchard, warmly welcoming visitors and sharing her warm wit and passion for apples. As the chief apple cook and recipe developer, she created countless apple-based recipes that delighted the taste buds of many, leaving a flavorful legacy that will endure.

In her retirement living at Orchard Pointe, Doris shared a special bond with her friend Bill Ashmore. They cherished countless hours together, enjoying each other's company and conversation. Doris blossomed as a talented painter and took up wood burning as a hobby. These creative pursuits brought her immense joy and allowed her to express her artistic spirit in new and fulfilling ways. Her artwork and wood-burned pieces will serve as lasting reminders of her creative talent. 

Surviving are a daughter, Donna (Anette Bauer) Kray, of Arlington, Massachusetts; and three siblings, Gale Elwer, of Tracey, California, Omer (Jane) Elwer, of Marysville, Ohio, and Lea Klaus, of Delphos, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Fred Elwer and Jim Elwer; and six sisters, Gertrude Wenzlick, Ursula Wenzlick, Rosemary Kill Sr., Johnita Elwer SND, Joan Lammers and Helen Clementz.

Services will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with Pastor Robert Boston of New Hope Baptist Church in Kendallville officiating.

Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to K9s for Warriors, www.k9sforwarriors.org.

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