Doris Elaine Studebaker, 95, of rural South Whitley, died peacefully in the company of family at her home at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Born in Allen County, Indiana, on April 2, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Harold Dean Ruckman and Nellie May (Oliver) Ruckman. Growing up on a farm near Larwill, she graduated from Larwill High School in 1947.

On June 12, 1948, she married J. Paul Studebaker.  They made their home on a farm in Richland Twp.  Paul died on August 24, 1987.

Assisting on the farm, she also maintained the household and raised the couple's six children.  In 1991, she was in an automobile accident that left her wheelchair-bound.

Actively involved with 4H, she was a leader for 47 years.  She also belonged to the Studebaker National Foundation and the Richland Twp. Homemakers Club.

She enjoyed crochet and needlework.  Maintaining an annual garden, she grew both flowers and vegetables until her accident when she turned to growing house plants, including orchids and African violets.  She liked to watch the birds that frequented her country home and to keep her mind sharp, she worked jigsaw and crossword puzzles.  Sunday was a family dinner tradition at her home, bringing together the kids and grandkids for a delicious home-cooked meal.

She is survived by her children, Roger (Sue) Studebaker of Pierceton, Stanley (Brenda) Studebaker of South Whitley, Sandra (Jerry) Grube of Larwill, Gary (Terri) Studebaker of Larwill, Randall (Tammy) Studebaker and Kevin (Beth) Studebaker both of South Whitley; 15 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and a brother Royce (Janice) Ruckman of Huntington.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Ruckman, and a daughter-in-law, Sue Studebaker.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday (May 10th) at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. She will be buried beside her husband at the South Whitley Cemetery.  Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (May 9th) at the funeral home.

Memorials in Doris's honor are to the Whitley County 4H or Parkview Home Health and Hospice.