Obituaries

Elsie Doughten, 96, of Buchanan, Michigan, passed away peacefully and entered Heaven on May 23, 2026 at Buchanan Meadows.

Elsie was born on August 29, 1929, to Wilson and Lena (Weigel) Schantz. Elsie is survived by her son, Bruce Doughten; daughter, Renea (Howard) Brunke; grandchildren, K. Doughten-Priuska, Ryan (Julie) Dickey and Eric (Lauren) Dickey; great-grandson, Zachary Dickey; great-granddaughter, Eliza, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Howard Doughten in 2021; parents, Wilson and Lena Schantz; sister, Margaret (Norm) Bingham; twin sister, Helen (Art) Mayhew and brothers, Raymond (Marian) Schantz and Mike (Fanny) Schantz.

Elsie attended Buchanan High School and married the love of her life, Howard Doughten in August of 1947 and built a beautiful life raising their two children on the Dad and Lad Farms in Buchanan. In addition to working on the farm, she was a homemaker, enjoyed gardening and had a deep love of flowers. She also worked at Simplicity Pattern Co., Electro-Voice and Holiday Inn of Niles in the front office.

Honoring Elsie’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. There will be a private interment at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan, Michigan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Ph: 1-800-822-6344. Memorial acknowledgments may be sent to B. Doughten, 3322 Columbus Ln, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.

A golden heart stopped beating on May 23, 2026. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. She left us peacefully with a memory we are proud to own. So treasure her Lord, in your garden of rest, for when on earth she was the best.