Williams County treasurer was volunteer in retirement

3/30/2005

BRYAN - Doris V. Carpenter, who edged out several Republican primary challengers in the early 1970s to become Williams County treasurer, died Sunday of complications following surgery at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. She was 79.

Family members did not know the cause of her death.

After being one of the first women elected in the county in 1973, Mrs. Carpenter went on to serve three terms in the post.

"It was a pretty nice accomplishment," Kathy Detwiler, her daughter, said. Her 11 years working as a deputy treasurer helping collect taxes aided her first-time candidacy.

Her outgoing personality and support from the retiring treasurer, Ellsworth Masters, also were pluses, her daughter said.

"He just really encouraged her to do it," she said. "When she came home from work, I remember her saying, 'He really wants me to run.' That was during his last year. I think he was a big influence."

She found satisfaction in her new responsibilities and getting to know so many people, her daughter said.

"She had a good business sense and she had good help," her daughter said. "It was something she enjoyed every day."

Prior to her time at the treasurer's office, she served eight years as clerk-treasurer of Jefferson Township and worked 11 years at ARO Corp.

After retiring in 1985, Mrs. Carpenter took up volunteer activities, working in the gift shop and delivering flowers to patients at Community Hospitals of Williams County Inc.

She helped at the Church Women United Thrift Shop and was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She was a 1943 graduate of the former Kunkle High School.

Her first husband, Ernest Scott, Jr., whom she married in 1941, died in 1978. She married Millard Carpenter in 1984.

Surviving are her husband, Millard; sons, Rickey and Dennis Scott; daughter, Kathy Detwiler; stepson, Kim Carpenter; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and two step- grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today in First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Thompson Funeral Home, Montpelier, Ohio.

The family suggests tributes to the American Heart Association.