Grandma Mary Doan – Birth & Early Years

Mary Alice Harris Flower divider

Birth & Early Years

Mary Alice Harris was born on August 20, 1922, in Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana, to Roscoe Robert and Mable Lewellyn Harris. Though no baby photo remains, her childhood was well-documented in heartfelt ways—from official records to playful snapshots in the sunshine.

Mary Alice Harris with inner tube — **Country childhood charm**
No toys needed, just an inner tube and a patch of grass.

Original 1922 Birth Certificate — **Original certificate filed in 1922**
– handwritten and full of family detail.

1973 Issued Birth Certificate — **A 1973 issued copy**
confirming her birth in Kokomo, Indiana.

The Sound of Coal and a Hammer Gavel

Mary’s early years were shaped by movement—both across Indiana and through shifting seasons of work. Before she was born, her father Roscoe worked as a fireman on the railroad, stoking the coal fires that powered engines across the Midwest. By the time Mary was a young girl, the family had moved to Pulaski County, where Roscoe was working as a laborer for a trucking company.

Later, the Harris family returned to Kokomo, and Roscoe became an auctioneer—a voice known to carry through barns and backroads alike. It’s a detail Mary’s daughter (Virginia) would remember, along with snippets of stories that sometimes fought to be heard between her mother’s quiet memories and her husband’s louder tales. Though much was left unspoken, the pieces that were passed down were cherished.

Young Mary Alice Harris standing in front of a leafy tree — **Mary Alice Harris** in her girlhood years — soft dress, steady gaze, and hands gently folded.

A Courtship Remembered "Before Skip"

Long before marriage and motherhood, Mary knew a different kind of tenderness—one marked by music, youth, and a boy named Cecil Hurl. He was tall and lean, full of mischief and charm, and for a time, they shared a quiet affection. Mary was thoughtful, artistic, and known for her soft singing voice. Family stories say she may have even performed with the Prairie Ramblers, her voice carrying dreams under country stars. This short season of her life, stitched with possibility, reminds us that even early loves leave threads in the quilt of who we become.

Mary Harris and Cecil Hurl together on a dirt road — **Mary Harris and Cecil Hurl**
during their courting days.

Cecil Hurl standing in front of a car in suspenders — **Cecil Hurl**
—grinning, confident, and stitched into Mary's early story.

Mary and Mae Harris with two young men, possibly sailors — **Mary and her sister Mae** sharing a lighthearted moment with two young men—laughter and youth caught in a single frame.

Portrait of Mary Alice Harris as a young woman — **A quiet, elegant portrait of Mary on the edge of womanhood** —soft smile, graceful hands, and eyes full of promise.

Mae, Mary, Gazella, and Eva standing together — **Mae and Mary with Gazella Papp and Eva Simmons** —sisters and in-laws with a shared history, their futures unknowingly intertwined.

A Song in Her Heart

Though no official record survives, family stories passed down through the years recall that Mary Alice Harris—young, vibrant, and full of spirit—once sang and played alongside the Prairie Ramblers. Based out of Chicago’s WLS radio station, the Prairie Ramblers were known for their lively performances and barn dance appearances during the late 1930s and early '40s. A treasured photograph shows Mary in her plaid stage outfit, standing among the band with a smile full of sparkle and her head held high. Another snapshot captures her holding a guitar in her arms, standing in front of an old car with the joy of music radiating from her. She may have performed during radio programs, county fairs, or one of the traveling barn dance shows that swept through Illinois, bringing music to rural communities. Whether it was for one night or many, those moments lived on in her stories—and in the hearts of those who heard them. Her love of music and performance became part of the tapestry she passed down, stitched with laughter, rhythm, and the unwavering courage to stand in the spotlight.

Mary Harris in cowgirl outfit with guitar — **Mary dressed to perform, guitar in hand** —smiling like she belonged on every stage between Kokomo and Chicago.

Portrait of young Mary Harris in a wide hat — **A soft yet confident portrait of Mary** during the years she was singing and playing—elegant and composed.

Mary standing with members of the Prairie Ramblers — **Mary smiling among the Prairie Ramblers in Chicago** —wearing a checked skirt and feathered hat, surrounded by laughter and fiddles.

A New Chapter Begins

In the chilly depths of winter—January 27, 1941—Mary Alice Harris stood before the clerk in Howard County, Indiana, and promised forever to Clifton Earl “Skip” Simmons, a young Navy man stationed out of Norfolk. Just nineteen, Mary was full of hope, standing on the edge of womanhood with her future unfolding like the hem of a wedding dress in a winter wind.

Marriage Application - Clifton Simmons — **Mary Harris & Clifton E. Simmons Marriage Application's**
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Marriage License and Certificate — **Marriage license & certificate for Mary Alice Harris and Clifton “Skip” Simmons.**
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Kokomo Tribune marriage license notice — Marriage notice in the *Kokomo Tribune*

Only a year later, on February 5, 1942, the young couple welcomed a daughter—Virginia Eileen Simmons. The girl who once sang with her sisters and twirled barefoot in the yard was now holding a child of her own. Though the world was at war, and the road ahead uncertain, Mary met motherhood with a quiet strength, leaning into each day one heartbeat at a time.

Mary Alice holding baby Virginia, early portrait — **A tender moment**
—Mary Alice Harris, glowing with pride as she cradles her baby daughter, Virginia Eileen Simmons.

Mary, Skip, and baby Virginia — **A wartime snapshot**
— Mary with Skip in uniform, holding baby Virginia beneath the trees of a summer yard.

Mary with Virginia and Ronnie on the porch — **On the porch in the afternoon sun**
—Mary holding Virginia

Though she and Skip were together only a short time, their daughter remained Mary’s anchor. And while Virginia lived with her mother, much of her early childhood was also spent in the care of her grandmother Mabel Harris—alongside cousin Ronnie, who became more like a brother than a cousin.

But as seasons changed and the war carried on, so did the quiet unraveling of their marriage. By October 1944, the union had reached its end. Mary was granted a divorce, retaining custody of her daughter and a modest support order—$20 per month, so long as Skip remained in military service.

Divorce Decree for Mary Simmons — **Divorce decree granted in 1944**
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A New Beginning: Mary & Elmer

Mary and Elmer sitting together, photo shared by cousin Paulette Young — **Mary and Elmer Doan in their younger years**
– Photo courtesy of cousin Paulette Young

Mary and Elmer were already living at 2121 North Kennedy Street in Kokomo when they decided to make their union official. Grandma Mary was never one to beat around the bush—Momma used to say she simply hooked her arm through Grandpa’s and said, “Let’s go get married.” And so they did.

Their journey as husband and wife began on November 27, 1944, when they were married in Howard County, Indiana. The official record still bears their young signatures—a small but powerful reminder of the promise they made to walk through life together.

Marriage record of Elmer Doan and Mary Harris — **Marriage Application & License of Elmer Doan and Mary Harris**
November 27, 1944 – Howard County, Indiana
View full record

Certified copy of the marriage certificate for Elmer Doan and Mary Alice Simmons — **Certified Marriage Certificate**
Official copy issued by Howard County, Indiana on May 23, 1973

Just a couple of months after they married, Elmer and Mary welcomed their first son together— Gary Lee Doan, born on January 12, 1945. He was a beautiful baby boy, and though his life was short, he was cherished deeply by the whole family.

Gary passed away at just over one year old, on February 3, 1946, from bronchial pneumonia. He had been in the hospital only a day. The loss left a lasting ache, one that never fully left Grandma Mary’s heart. Visit Gary Lee Doan’s Quilt Block on Momma’s Quilt

Despite the ache of losing Gary, life carried on for Elmer and Mary. Later that same year, in 1946, they welcomed their daughter Pamela—a bright spirit who brought joy and laughter back into their home. Many years later, in 1961, their youngest child, Phillip, was born. Phillip had a big personality and left his own mark on the world before his passing in 2014. Each of Mary’s children added a unique thread to the family story—woven with love, resilience, and the quiet strength passed down from their parents.

Worn Paths & Warm Hearts: The Later Years

Mary and Elmer Doan in sunglasses — **Mary and Elmer Doan** looking stylish and confident—those shades, that pose, and that air of “we’ve seen a thing or two.”

Mary Alice Harris holding a puppy — **Mary with a pup and a smirk**
—sun on her shoulders, sass in her stance, and a puppy tucked close like it belonged there all along.

Elmer and Mary Doan sitting on the couch beneath a rotary phone — **At home in their everyday world**
Pressed shirts, floral cushions, and the hum of a rotary phone overhead—just another ordinary day for Mary and Elmer, and yet a moment we’re so lucky to still hold.

Elmer and Mary Doan with children Gilbert, Pamela, and Virginia, seated on a couch — **Mary surrounded by her loved ones**
With her children at her side and a pup in her lap, Mary sits at the center of it all—the calm among the beautiful chaos of family life.

Jimmy Doan, Mae Harris, Mary Doan, and young child at the lake — **Wading into warm memories**
Mary (right) and her sister Mae (left) share a lighthearted summer day by the water—matching swimsuits, bare feet, and family all around. Behind them is Jimmy, Elmer’s son from his first marriage, and the little boy may be Mae’s son Ronnie.

One of Grandma Mary Doan’s dogs resting in a small bed with newspaper and food dish nearby — **A pup’s place in Grandma’s heart**
One of Grandma Mary’s beloved dogs—either Chico or Snoopy—tucked into his bed with newspaper neatly spread out and a shiny dish close by. Every critter had a spot in her house… and in her heart.

Dorothy Hogan and Mary Doan sitting on the hood of a car — **Mary and Dorothy Hogan**
A carefree moment captured on the hood of a well-loved car—Mary (right) shares a sunny smile with Dorothy Hogan (left), her sister Mae’s sister-in-law. Two strong women, enjoying a pause in the day, with the open road ahead and family ties between them.

Elmer and Mary Doan sitting in the yard in July 1960 — **A pause in the sunshine – July 1960**
Mary and Elmer, side by side in the front yard, enjoying the kind of stillness that only comes with years of life lived and love weathered. The door behind them led inside—but this moment was all about what was right in front of them.

Elmer, Gilbert, and Mary Doan sitting on a couch — **Elmer, Gilbert, and Mary Doan**
A quiet moment shared between father, son, and stepmother—Gilbert (center) was Elmer’s son from his first marriage, but Mary welcomed him fully. Together, they weathered life’s storms and simple joys, shoulder to shoulder.

Elmer and Mary Doan kneeling in the grass behind Phyllis Louise and a small dog, July 1960 — **A summer moment in the yard – July 1960**
Elmer and Mary kneel in the grass behind little Phyllis Louise and the family dog. The sun was shining, and for that moment, the world felt still and full of love.

Mary and Elmer Doan with family including Mae and Bob Kain, Don and Jesse Sallee — **Gathered for an evening out**
From right to left: Mary Doan (with the white bow in her hair) sits beside her sister Mae, with Mae’s husband Bob Kain just behind them. Next to Bob are Don Sallee and his wife Jesse—Elmer’s sister. Elmer Doan sits at the far right. The lady with glasses on the very end is unidentified and may not be part of the group. Though the others around them are unknown, this circle of family—sisters, brothers, and in-laws—reflects the deep ties woven through the Doan and Kain families.

Mary Doan and Mae Kain standing together in white dresses with corsages — **Mary and Mae – Sisters in bloom**
Standing arm in arm, dressed in their Sunday best and brightened by matching corsages, Mary and her sister Mae radiate joy and sisterhood. Through life’s trials and celebrations, they stood strong together—rooted deep like the trees behind them.

Mary Doan holding a large fish in front of an old car, June 1950 — **Mary Doan and her catch – June 16, 1950**
With a strong hand and a quiet smile, Mary shows off her fresh catch in front of the old family car. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime—it was something she loved, something that brought her peace, pride, and maybe a good story or two.

Elmer and Mary Doan sitting on a couch with an unknown man, Elmer wearing pajamas and sunglasses — **An ordinary evening, quietly remembered**
Mary and Elmer sit side by side on the couch, joined by a visitor whose name has been lost to time. Elmer, in his pajamas and oversized glasses, may have been feeling unwell—but the moment still holds warmth, quiet companionship, and the simple comfort of being together.

Mary Doan holding a duck in a field of tall grass and wildflowers — **Mary and her feathered friend**
Bare-armed and barefoot in the daisies, Mary cradles a duck like a baby doll—calm, proud, and right at home among the wildflowers. A farm girl through and through, she never minded muddy feet or flapping wings.

Mary Doan holding a small puppy in front of a wooden shed — **Keep out… unless you bring snacks or puppies**
With her apron tied and her pup in hand, Mary stood as guardian of both home and heart. She didn’t need fancy words—just a steady gaze, a good dog, and the unshakable strength of a woman who kept the world turning from her own backyard.

Mary Doan in a vintage bathing suit, standing by the lake — **Summer confidence in satin and sun**
Mary stood tall in her bathing suit, the lake at her back and the wind in her hair. She wasn’t showing off—just living fully in the moment, proud and radiant under the summer sky.

Thanksgiving meal at Grandma Doan’s house, 1961, with turkey, bowls of food, and candles on the table — **Thanksgiving at Grandma Doan’s – 1961**
The smell of roasted turkey, laughter from the living room, and Grandma’s table set with care—this was more than dinner. It was tradition, togetherness, and a little chaos, all wrapped up in a linoleum-topped table and Pyrex bowls full of love.

Family photo with Elmer Doan holding twin babies, Mary Harris Doan, Jimmy Doan, Pam, Bobby Lee Kain, and other relatives gathered around a table with food and a cake — **Family Gathering at the Doan House**
Left to right: Pam, Jimmy Doan (Elmer’s son from his first marriage), [Unknown], Elmer Doan holding twin babies (identities unknown), [Unknown girl], [Unknown man], Mary Harris Doan, and young Bobby Lee Kain (son of Aunt Mae). A table full of good food and a cake—likely someone’s birthday—rounds out this cherished moment.

Snoopy the dog in his bed with toys, food and water bowls on a newspaper-covered floor, belonging to Mary Doan — **Snoopy’s Corner**
Mary Doan’s beloved dog, Snoopy, had a spot all his own—complete with toys, bowls, and a cozy bed laid over the daily paper. She doted on him like one of the grandkids, even putting rain boots on his little paws when the weather turned. Sadly, one day while Grandma let him out to potty, someone stole him. The family never forgot that little dog—and neither did she.

Mary Harris Doan, Pamela Doan, Bobby Lee Kain, and Elmer Doan sitting together, 1959 — **A Quiet Corner Surprise:**
Mary sitting with her daughter Pamela and nephew Bobby Lee Kain — Pam holding little Snoopy front and center. The photo was taken in 1959, and though the shadows once hid him, a bit of digital magic revealed Grandpa Elmer Doan seated quietly in the corner. A snapshot of family, mischief, and memories waiting to be uncovered.

Mary Doan, Pamela Cloar, and Virginia Rogers dressed in vintage costumes with fans, posing for a fun old-timey photo — **Three Southern Belles**
Mary Doan, Pamela Cloar, and Virginia Rogers—dressed to the nines and striking their finest vintage poses in this old-timey photo booth picture. With fans in hand and feathers high, they look like they just stepped out of a frontier saloon or a parlor full of secrets. Grandma Mary stole the show with that cane—and that twinkle in her eye.

Mary Doan reacting with surprise and joy while opening a toaster at Christmas. Young Rebecca Rogers sits nearby watching — **“Well, I Never! A TOASTER!”** Mary Doan’s expression is one for the books as she unwraps her gift—an automatic toaster—during a lively family Christmas. Young Rebecca Rogers sits nearby in her festive dress, taking it all in with wide-eyed wonder. This moment captures the warmth, surprise, and laughter of holidays at Grandma’s house.

Mary and Elmer Doan with Elmer’s mother, Anna Mae Doan — **Mary and Elmer Doan standing proudly with his mother, Anna Mae Doan—affectionately known in the family as “Little Grandma.”**
Though small in stature, she carried herself with strength and grace. In later years, she wore her long hair braided and wrapped into a bun—an image forever etched in memory.

Jeanine, Judy, and Mary Doan — **Jeanine, Judy, and Mary**
– sharing smiles across the generations.
Jeanine, Mary’s granddaughter, sits alongside Judy, Mary’s niece by marriage.

Mary Doan with Snowball the dog — **Mary Doan with Snowball**
– a shared moment of comfort and companionship.
In her red coat and with a knowing grin, Mary leans in close to Snowball, the family dog. Though Snowball technically belonged to her daughter Virginia, it’s plain to see the love was mutual. A quiet afternoon, a soft blanket, and a loyal friend—sometimes that’s all you need.

Mary Doan with Judy Sallee, her niece by marriage — **Mary Doan with her niece-by-marriage, Judy Sallee**
A casual day on the porch, pastel sweatshirts and all. Mary and Judy shared many quiet moments like this one—just sitting side-by-side, chatting about kin, cooking, and maybe what the preacher said last Sunday. Family ties come in all forms, and these two had one that held steady.

The Final Chapter

Mary Alice Doan passed away peacefully in her home on October 10, 1989, in Miami, Indiana. She was laid to rest at Crown Point Cemetery in Kokomo. Her funeral was held at Ellers Chapel, officiated by Rev. David Cornelius, with family and friends gathered to say their goodbyes. She was 67 years old.

Mary Alice Doan wearing a cream vest, sitting on a floral couch — A quiet moment at home

Mary Alice Doan in a red cardigan, smiling gently — A sideways glance and a little grin

Portrait photo of Mary Alice Doan taken by Olan Mills in 1989 — Her final portrait – full of gentle strength

Funeral memorial booklet for Mary Alice Doan — Funeral memorial card

Death Certificate for Mary Alice Doan — Death certificate from Indiana State Board of Health

Obituary for Mary Alice Doan — Published obituary

A Couple of Grandma's Favorite Sayings

“When ducks fart!” – said when something unexpected happened or things just didn’t go quite right.
“That’s the way the ole ball bounces!” – a simple, lighthearted way of accepting life's ups and downs.

These were the little phrases that made her uniquely Grandma Mary—full of humor, heart, and that good ol’ Hoosier grit.

A bloom of remembrance before the stitches of memory.

Keepsake Corner

Mary Alice Doan had a special love for crochet, a craft she passed down not only through stitches but through memories. My mother gifted me her crochet hooks, still tucked inside the cloth holder she used, along with her tiny glass coal bucket and a few of her old patterns. Cousin Judy kindly shared a small pattern booklet and a handful of handwritten instructions Mary had once used. These keepsakes are dear to me, and while I’ve chosen not to share certain personal items like her Social Security card, driver’s license, or death certificate here online, scanned copies are safely preserved in my family archive. This corner honors the quiet things she left behind—useful, beautiful, and stitched with love.

Afghan made by Grandma Mary Doan — Afghan Grandma Mary crocheted and gave to me at Christmas one year.

Another view of Grandma Mary's afghan — Another view of the same afghan—soft and well-loved.

Grandma Mary's crochet hooks — Her crochet hooks in the cloth holder she always used.

Miniature glass coal bucket — The tiny glass coal bucket Grandma kept on her shelf.

Close-up of crochet hook holder — Grandma's Crochet hooks and a few of mine.

Garden rose crochet afghan — Pattern that she used for the garden rose afghan's she made.

American flag crochet pattern — A patriotic crochet flag pattern found among her saved items.

Crochet evening dress pattern — A ruffled evening dress crochet pattern in her handwriting.

Stole crochet pattern — A vintage stole pattern with her notes on the side.

Old crochet pattern book with handwriting — A treasured pattern book—well-loved and marked by the twins, Jean & Mae.