Doris Ann Hovater, age 81, Russellville, passed away Oct. 9 at 8:35 a.m. at her home with her loved ones by her side.

She was a strong woman who was very family-oriented and was loved by many. She enjoyed her home and loved to entertain her friends. She was a good Christian lady who loved going to church. During her time in life, she began working when she was 18 years old at Monsanto in Decatur and spent 43 years there as an executive secretary for the president of Monsanto. When she retired, she went to work at CB&S Bank in Russellville and stayed there until she retired again. She enjoyed the employees at CB&S Bank and loved going to work every day. She enjoyed traveling to the mountains and the beach and meeting new people. She loved her flowers, cooking for company, her study club and most of all her family. She was loved by all who met her and will be missed by all.

The visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at North Highlands Church of Christ, with the body lying in state one hour prior to the service. Officiating will be Bro. Keith Barnett. Burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Annie Lee Reed.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 65 years, Elmer T. Hovater; daughter, Edith Ann Hovater Jones and husband Dan from Atlanta, Ga.; son, John Alexander Bencsik; granddaughter, Kristin Jones Southers and husband Daniel from Valdosta, Ga.; step-great-granddaughter, Abby Southers; half-sister, Mary Stephenson; first cousins, Dr. Jimmy Reed, Carol Sue Frederick, Mary Jane Cole, Timmy Sneed, Bobby Sneed, Jackie Sneed, Betty Grissom and Glinda Sneed; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

The pallbearers will be Todd Westbrook, Caleb Beason, Eddie Beason, Kirk Johnson, John Alexander Bencsik, Alan Rudy and Gerald Hester.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to her loving caregivers, Karina Ramirez and Erica Berryman. Also a special thanks to Alacare Hospice and all those that have helped the family during her illness with cards, prayers and visits.