Obituary of Ann Dozier

Ann Mae Bray was born in Tazewell, Tennessee on September 8, 1930. She was one of four children born from the union of the late Nelson and Mae (Bolton) Bray. Ann attended school in Maryville, Tennessee moving to Monroe in 1948. In the Summer of 1950 at the Monroe County Fair, Ann would meet the love of her life, Ben L. Dozier. The couple was joined in marriage just a few months later on October 7, 1950. Together they would share in the birth of two children. Ann loved being a homemaker and taking care of the needs of her husband and children, but she also contributed by working outside the home for Ford Motor Company. She worked the assembly line for thirty years before retiring in 1981. Ann and Ben loved to travel. For many years they enjoyed their LaFollette, Tennessee cabin, and had wintered in Kissimmee, Florida for thirty-five years. More than anything, Ann cherished her grandchildren and absolutely loved to spoil them rotten. Ann, age 85, of LaSalle passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the IHM Healthcare Center. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a son, Rick in 2004. To cherish her memory Ann leaves a beloved husband of sixty-five years: Ben of LaSalle; a daughter: Carol A. (Robert) Barron Jr. of LaSalle; a daughter-in-law: Susan (Gerber) Dozier of LaSalle; two brothers: Dan (Maryetta) Bray of Monroe and Don (Sharon) Bray of Tennessee; a sister: Doris Russell of LaSalle; six grandchildren: Alysia (Chris) White of Sylvania, Ohio, Amy Barron of Monroe, Heidi Dozier (Josh Calvin) of Monroe, Elizabeth (Patrick) O'Rourke of Monroe, Bobby (Ashley) Barron of Monroe, and Matt (Kate) Dozier of Chicago; ten great grandchildren: Bianca White, Brielle White, Jaylynn Calvin, Jacquelynn Calvin, Quinn O'Rourke, Delaney O'Rourke, Ryleigh O'Rourke, Jackson Barron, Breanna Miller and Madison Miller; and one great- great grandchild: Owen Loveland. Friends may gather from 5:00pm-8:00pm on Saturday, January 16, 2015 and from 12:00pm-2:00pm on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 2:00pm also at Merkle's with Pastor Dale Hayford of Crosswalk Community Church officiating. After services, guests will be invited to stay for a memorial luncheon. Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.