Elva Ellen Dobyns, 77, of Three Rivers, went to be with her Lord on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 at the Riverview Manor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. She was born in Wister, Okla., the daughter of Harry and Girtie (Jones) McLean.
Mrs. Dobyns has been a resident of Three Rivers since 1969 moving from the Kalamazoo area. She married the late Robert Dobyns in 1951. She was employed at the Three Rivers Hospital and also Riverview Manor for many years as a nurse aide. Later she enjoyed working at Meijer and Chicken Coop Restaurant. She has been a long time member of the New Apostolic Church of Three Rivers where she was very active.
Mrs. Dobyns enjoyed crocheting and knitting and making candy. She also loved working in her garden and raising beautiful roses. She especially enjoyed her family, children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; two sisters, Blanche McClain and Alice Newton; two brothers, Bruce and Robert McClain.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory one son, Phillip (Michal) Dobyns of Three Rivers; one daughter, Linda (Michael) Caffery of South Bend, Ind.; five grandchildren, Bradley and Andrew Caffery, Erika (Robert) Letcher, Michal (Jon) Rice and Terra (Michael) Miller; seven great-grandchildren, Tylar, Jakob, Jon, Mitchal, Amanda, Allysen and Kamaren.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at the New Apostolic Church, Three Rivers with Evangelist Joseph Crenshaw officiating.
Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery on a later date.
Memorials may be donated to the New Apostolic Church Junior Youth of Kalamazoo.
Arrangements by the Hohner Funeral Home.