Doris (Robart) Smurr

Doris Joan Smurr, age 87, of Avilla, passed away January 12, 2023 at Lincolnshire Place, Fort Wayne. Mrs. Smurr was born February 7, 1935 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Russell and Mildred (Sparks) Robart. She graduated from Avilla High School in 1953 and married Robert Ward Smurr on October 21, 1955 at Calvary United Methodist Church, Avilla. Bob preceded her in death in 2010. Doris was a lifelong area resident with most of her life spent on their family farm near Avilla. In her younger years, she worked at her parent’s restaurant followed by Delucany’s in Avilla. During the decades of raising her children, she was the custodian for the Calvary United Methodist Church. She also worked at the Courier factory in Kendallville in the late 70’s.

There they raised three children:
Son, Steven and Lori Smurr of Avilla.  
Daughter, Linda and Max Franklin of Kendallville.
Daughter, Julie and Greg Baka of Columbia, Missouri.
Seven grandchildren including Jeremy Smurr, Christopher Smurr, Whitney (Smurr) Crismore, Kelsey (Franklin) Laue, Robert “Robbie” Franklin, Travis Baka, and Rose Baka. Six great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Max Robart, Wanda Pfafman, and Janice Lash.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor David Gruber officiating. There will be visitation at 10:00 AM prior to the service. 
Burial will follow at Avilla Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church.