Martha Joan Douglass, 91, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016 in The Waterford in Mansfield.
She was born Feb. 9, 1924 to parents Walter and Bertha (Houston) Turner, in Mansfield. Joan graduated from Mansfield Senior High School. She worked in the office at H.L. Reed before marrying her husband.
She married Lawrence A. Douglass on Dec. 1, 1942 and they spent many wonderful years together until he passed away in 1983.
Joan will be remembered as an effective local realtor. She became interested in politics and community service and was active in local Republican politics, becoming the first woman on Mansfield City Council. She then was elected to the office of State Representative.
After the death of her husband, she moved to Columbus to become the receptionist for Gov. George Voinovich. After Mike DeWine and George Voinovich became Ohio senators, she was asked to be their receptionist in the Columbus office. She retired in 2000. Joan was such a positive person and touched many lives.
She was an attendee at Mansfield First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Joan enjoyed sailing and was a member of the Clear Fork Sailing Club. She was also a member of Altrusa and DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).
She is survived by children Ronald Douglass of Mansfield, Susan (Ronald) Muth, of Mansfield and Melinda (David) Foster, of Mammoth Lakes, California; grandson Tyler (Sally) Muth, of Potomac, Maryoand; great-grandchildren Colin and Natalie; sister Jeanie Auxter, of Mansfield; nephews Don (Carol) Burton, Jon (Christine) Burton, Mark Reinhardt, Steve Reinhardt; and niece Diane (Steve) Okon.
In addition to her loving husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents May and Sylvester Houston; sister Aileen Burton and her husband Charles Burton; brother-in-law Earl Auxter.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at The Waterford, OhioHealth Hospice and Servant’s Heart Caregivers.
The Douglass family will receive friends Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, from 10 to noon in the Marion Avenue Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 350 Marion Ave., where a Celebration of Life honoring Joan will immediately begin at noon. Pastor Mike Herring will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory to Richland County Foundation or OhioHealth Hospice may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Joan’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
