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HOWLAND -- Nellie Hefner Doan, 88, passed away Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, surrounded by her family, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Nellie grew up in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., and graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1956. She attended business college in Beckley, W.Va., and was a proficient bookkeeper, specializing in accounts receivable and reconciliations for most of her working years. She spent most of her career at Alcan Aluminum in Warren.
Nellie and Lee began their married life and family in Woodbridge, New Jersey, before moving to Warren (Howland) in June 1974.
Nellie was a longtime member of Eastern Star, Bethlehem Chapter, in West Virginia, as well as an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Warren, where she also served on the Altar Guild until Alzheimer's disease eventually halted her activities.
A few things Nellie was especially proud of were her family, her faith, and her hometown of White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. (Boy, was she ever happy to tell everyone she knew about The Greenbrier Hotel during the varying stages of her Alzheimer's disease.)
Nellie Hefner Doan was always happy, smiling and winking at everyone -- right up until the last day of her life. Never once did she let her disease change who we all knew and loved. She showed love in every way that mattered.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Flora Hefner; her siblings, Leslie Hefner, Lonnie Hefner, Annabelle Barker (Denver), Wilma Stump (James), John Hefner, Joe Hefner (Debbie) and Janie Boggs (Emmett); her stepson, Tommy Doan (Charlene); her granddaughter, Jaclyn Hefner; her nephew, Gregg Stump (Pam); and the love of her life, her husband, Lee Doan, who passed away March 19, 2022.
Nellie is survived by her three children, Chris (Misty) Hefner of Ligonier, Pa., Eric (Kristen) Doan of Howland and Beth (Andy Brooks) of Tappahannock, Virginia, as well as her stepdaughter, Tracey Syreika of Courtdale, Pa.
Nellie is also survived by four grandsons, Eric Doan Jr., Clayton Hefner (Bethany), Matthew Doan (Lexi) and Jacob Hefner (Stephanie). She leaves behind her great-grandson, Luca Hefner, and another great-grandchild on the way in April.
Nellie is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Emmett Boggs, Richard Doan (Joanne) and Brian Doan, and a sister-in-law, Hali Coles.
She is survived by three loving nephews as well: Art (Pam) Stump, Alfred (Juli) Boggs and Keaton (Wanda) Boggs.
Nellie also leaves behind her beloved Dachshund, Teddi, who was the most loyal and loving boy and a cherished companion during the last four years of her life.
Services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church, with calling hours from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.staton
borowskifuneralhome.com.
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