Racine – Doris "Dorie" Mary Lunow-Marano-Ayers, 71, passed away unexpectedly in the emergency room of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 following a brave battle with ovarian cancer.

Dorie was born in Racine on January 9, 1941 to the late John and Addie (nee: Voth) Lunow. She was the Valedictorian of Lutheran High School "Class of 1958". On June 3, 1978, she was united in marriage with Laurence H. Ayers, who preceded her in death on September 5, 2006.

With a profound Christian faith, Dorie was a proud member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sturtevant. Creative with her hands, Dorie was extremely talented at sewing, quilting, crafting and flower gardening. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family.

Surviving are her children, Theresa (Tim) Creeden, Katherine (Norman) Schultz, Mark (Cindy) Marano, Debra (Mike) Emerich, Teresa (Ken) Hazell, Sandra (Tom) Popp, Brett (Sheila) Ayers, Bart (fiancé, Tammy Borzych) Ayers and Lita (Jeff) Bartel; grandchildren, Mychal (fiance, Madison Schnur) Creeden, Jennifer Creeden, Melissa (Dale Johnson) Grimm, Tiffany (Cory) Henningfeld; Jacob, Samuel, Nathaniel and Matthew Marano; Caleb (Sandy) Emerich, Corrine (Ryan) McCracken, Corrine (Zach) Hart, Esther Hazell, Jacqueline Popp, Joseph Bauer; Brett Jr. and Aaroin Ayers; Alexis and Jake Ayers; Joshua and Jessica Nelson; and Jericka (Nick) Hooten; great-grandchildren, Kiele Grimm, Megan Johnson; Preston and Ella Emerich; Braiden and Lillian McCracken; Sebastian, Kadyn, Colton and Esten Hart; Briella and Madilyn Bauer; Giselle Nelson, Ayden Aranda; Rieley and Hayli Hooten; and two more expected later this year; beloved sister, Mildred (Donald) Lashley; former husband, Salvatore Marano; dedicated friends, Marlene Perkins and Kim Teggerdine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Dorie was preceded in death by her brother, Howard Lunow.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 7:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Jeffrey Mortenson officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5:00-7:00 pm. In accordance with Dorie's wishes, cremation will follow the services. In memory of Dorie, memorials to Faith Lutheran Church or to the Jane Cremer Foundation (for educating and empowering women in the fight against cancer) have been suggested.