AVA - Doris Jean Gerler, 66, of Ava, Illinois passed away at 7:20 PM, Friday, September 22, 2017 at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born November 3, 1950 in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Henry and Genice (Leonard) Dagner. She is survived by her mother of Ava.

Her first marriage blessed her with three children, Tammy (Todd) Misselhorn of Campbell Hill, Michele (Rob) Opp Jr of Pinckneyville, and Gary (Mindy) Hayden Jr. of Willisville. She married Harvey Gerler October 19, 1992 at Ste. Genevieve, MO, and was step-mother to his three children, Diane (Melvin) Anderson of Ava, Richard (Kathy) Gerler of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Michelle (Jim) Rich of Hurst. Doris was the assistant manager of the Ava Food & Family Center in Ava, and was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, in Willisville.

In addition to her husband Harvey, children and step-children, she is survived by grandchildren, Brandon Misselhorn, Kearsten, Tyrin and Melina Opp, Tonya Miller, Mason Hayden, Keith (Ashley) Anderson, Danielle Anderson, Brian (Renee) Anderson, Marisa, Kelsea and Dana Gerler, and Craig (Jessica) Gerler; great-grandchildren, Alayna Anderson, Noelle & Bristol Anderson, and Colton & Corey Gerler; a sister, Dot (Larry) Koch, of Ava, one brother, Wayne (Carol) Dagner, of Murphysboro, sister-in-law, Rita Dagner, of Murphysboro, and several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Barb Phoenix, of Ava.

She was preceded in death by her father, and a brother Ray Dagner, 1 sister, Ruth Mae, and 1 brother – in – law, Ron Koch.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, with Rev. Bill Stoklosa and Rev. Randy Wheaton officiating, and burial will follow at the Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening at the funeral home where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Monday morning from 7:30 until the hour of service. Memorials may be made to Sandra's Comfort or Hospice of Southern Illinois.