Obituary for Doris Unger
Doris Ann Unger, 86, of Mercersburg, passed away on January 3, 2023 in Chambersburg, PA.
Born June 9, 1936 in Little Cove, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Carrie (Yeakle) and Peter
Shives.
A 1954 graduate of Mercersburg High School, she was employed as a bookkeeper at the Mercersburg
Dress Factory. Eventually, with two others, Doris bought the company and formed Mercersburg Apparel.
One of few women to own a business, Doris employed local women during a time when it was unusual
to do so. Providing fair pay and healthcare, she showed dedication to an independent spirit, unique for
her time, which continued across her life.
After 47 years as owner and manager, Doris sold Mercersburg Apparel, yet her dedication to others and
administrative acumen continued to extend to the community. A member of the Charlestown United
Methodist Church, Mount Tabor Brethren-Christ Church, and the Order of the Eastern Star Society, she
was committed to their successes, from governance to operations. Those who know her would say if
something needed to be done, she would find the right person for the job and make sure it was done
right!
Doris loved working numbers. She volunteered her financial services to her HOA, her daughter Dixie's
apartment community, and anyone whose checkbook needed balancing.
In her later life, Doris enjoyed traveling with her daughter Dixie and son-in-law Al, including trips to the
Grand Canyon, the cranberry bogs of Massachusetts, and Vancouver, Canada to see her grandson
Benjamin. She loved spending time with her great-grandchildren, especially spoiling them with gifts.
Doris was also an avid reader and loved sharing a meal with friends. She was genuinely content with her
life's work.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband, William D. Unger (1998), and her daughter, Dixie Ann
Schreiber (2021).
Doris's legacy is one of care and generosity that will continue. She is survived by her grandson, Benjamin
Chilcote and his wife Autumn Marie of Flagler Beach, FL, and granddaughter Bethany Mellott and her
husband Cameron of St. Thomas, PA, along with two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Hershel Mellott.
She will also be missed by her grandchildren through marriage: Amy and Jim Bain of Richmond, VA, Karl
and Jenny Schreiber of Greencastle, PA, Hans and Tawnya Schreiber of Elizabethtown, PA, nine great-
grandchildren children and five great-great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held, 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Fries Funeral Home, Mercersburg,
PA. A funeral will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 14 at Fries Funeral Home, with Reverend W.
David Kent officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg, PA. There will be a viewing
1 hour prior to the funeral.
Born June 9, 1936 in Little Cove, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Carrie (Yeakle) and Peter
Shives.
A 1954 graduate of Mercersburg High School, she was employed as a bookkeeper at the Mercersburg
Dress Factory. Eventually, with two others, Doris bought the company and formed Mercersburg Apparel.
One of few women to own a business, Doris employed local women during a time when it was unusual
to do so. Providing fair pay and healthcare, she showed dedication to an independent spirit, unique for
her time, which continued across her life.
After 47 years as owner and manager, Doris sold Mercersburg Apparel, yet her dedication to others and
administrative acumen continued to extend to the community. A member of the Charlestown United
Methodist Church, Mount Tabor Brethren-Christ Church, and the Order of the Eastern Star Society, she
was committed to their successes, from governance to operations. Those who know her would say if
something needed to be done, she would find the right person for the job and make sure it was done
right!
Doris loved working numbers. She volunteered her financial services to her HOA, her daughter Dixie's
apartment community, and anyone whose checkbook needed balancing.
In her later life, Doris enjoyed traveling with her daughter Dixie and son-in-law Al, including trips to the
Grand Canyon, the cranberry bogs of Massachusetts, and Vancouver, Canada to see her grandson
Benjamin. She loved spending time with her great-grandchildren, especially spoiling them with gifts.
Doris was also an avid reader and loved sharing a meal with friends. She was genuinely content with her
life's work.
Doris is preceded in death by her husband, William D. Unger (1998), and her daughter, Dixie Ann
Schreiber (2021).
Doris's legacy is one of care and generosity that will continue. She is survived by her grandson, Benjamin
Chilcote and his wife Autumn Marie of Flagler Beach, FL, and granddaughter Bethany Mellott and her
husband Cameron of St. Thomas, PA, along with two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Hershel Mellott.
She will also be missed by her grandchildren through marriage: Amy and Jim Bain of Richmond, VA, Karl
and Jenny Schreiber of Greencastle, PA, Hans and Tawnya Schreiber of Elizabethtown, PA, nine great-
grandchildren children and five great-great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held, 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Fries Funeral Home, Mercersburg,
PA. A funeral will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 14 at Fries Funeral Home, with Reverend W.
David Kent officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mercersburg, PA. There will be a viewing
1 hour prior to the funeral.