Doris Arlene Ebbinghouse, 95, North Manchester, entered the pearly gates of Heaven on October 12, 2023. She was the sixth of nine children born to Charles and Etta May (Cauffman) Brandenburg in Silver Lake on May 18, 1928.
Growing up during the Great Depression presented obstacles for the Brandenburg family, and Doris did what she could to help. She made dolls from Hollyhock flowers and caught, cleaned and fried frogs from their pond and creek. She was fortunate to attend school at Monroe Elementary and later graduated from Sidney High School in 1946. During her high school years, Doris played softball, basketball, and participated in school dramas
Doris met Paul Ebbinghouse in October of 1944. The two dated for nearly two years before they wed on August 27, 1946, and became lifelong residents of North Manchester. For the next seventy-two years Doris and Paul loved each other dearly and were blessed with two children, Kenneth and Joyce. When the children were younger, the Ebbinghouse family enjoyed swimming, picnicking and traveling together. In later years they also traveled to Florida, Canada, the East Coast, and the mountains of Colorado, which were Doris’s favorite. When Doris found time to herself, she enjoyed birdwatching from her deck, where she kept several hummingbird feeders. Cardinals, wrens, finches, and indigo buntings were among her favorite. She also relished going to antique shops and auctions.
Doris worked in the personnel department at Heckman Bindery for twenty-six years, which gave her the chance to meet new people and create lifelong friendships. She had a soft spot for children, often volunteering her time as a room mother at school, making baked goods for birthdays and celebrations, and teaching children to make dolls as she had been taught as a child. Faith was also important to Doris, and for many years she picked up children and took them to church for Bible School, ensuring they had every opportunity to find their Lord and Savior. Doris herself was a member of the Missionary Church in North Manchester.
The loving memory of Doris Ebbinghouse will be forever cherished by her son, Kenneth (Carol) Ebbinghouse, Fort Wayne; daughter, Joyce (Paul) Drake, North Manchester; sister, Juna Brandenburg; grandchildren, Amy (Ben Butler) Ebbinghouse and Aaron (fiancée Eva Shinikova) Ebbinghouse; great-grandchildren, Nina (Tyler Damerell) Williams and Jordan Gunter; two great-great-grandchildren; and surrogate grandchildren, Ethan (Kelsi) McDonald and Logan (Lakin) McDonald. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul Raymond Ebbinghouse; brothers, Edward, Harold, Franklin, and Howard; and sisters, Donnabelle, Alene, and Irene.
Family and friends may call Friday, October 20, 2023 from 1:00p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Ken Sistrunk officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Doris Ebbinghouse, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Doris Ebbinghouse has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
For those unable to attend the funeral services of Doris Ebbinghouse, livestreaming will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@TimbercrestSeniorLiving/streams
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