Doris Louise Applegate
HARLAN, IN:
Doris Louise Applegate, 94, of Harlan, Indiana, celebrated with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. She passed away at her home, where she had lived for over 60 years, surrounded by her caregivers and family.
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on August 4, 1931, to Rolland and Velma (Fox) Coleman, Doris was the oldest of five children. She graduated as salutatorian from Athens High School in Calhoun County, Michigan, in 1949. While in school, she played girls’ basketball and softball and sang in the school quartet.
After high school, Doris worked as a switchboard operator in Athens, Michigan. She met her husband, Foster Jay Applegate, on a New Year’s Eve blind date arranged by her brother and Foster’s cousin. Eight months later, on August 5, 1950, they eloped at Lake James, Angola, Indiana, with her brother-in-law and sister as witnesses. Doris and Foster shared more than 49 years of marriage before his passing on July 4, 2000, at the age of 72. During their marriage, Doris devoted herself to being a wife and mother and worked alongside Foster as a partner in their farming business in Harlan, Indiana.
Doris enjoyed puzzles, board games, listening to music and scripture on tape, painting, playing the piano, singing hymns, and reading. She wrote poems and stories for local newspapers, including the East Allen Courier and the West Bend News. Doris faithfully served her Lord and Savior as a devoted prayer warrior, openly sharing her friendship with Jesus. Her deep faith in Christ was reflected in her dedication to her church community. Her favorite scripture was Romans 10:9.
She is survived by her three sons, Byron (Janine Eby) Applegate, Alan (Gala) Applegate, and Jeff (Susie) Applegate. Doris was a loving grandmother to Angie (Brian) Carnes, Andrew (Irene Paxia) Applegate, Abby (Brandon) Wahl, Josh Applegate, April Applegate and Alaina Applegate, and a cherished great-grandmother to Allison Carnes, Veronica Applegate, Liam Applegate, and Gabriel Wahl. Also surviving are her two sisters, Barb (Aaron) Applegate and Hazel Cummins Dick. She was preceded in death by her husband, Foster; parents, Rolland Coleman and Velma Ray; and two brothers, Joe and David Coleman.
Doris will be remembered for her love of life, generosity to her community, family, neighbors, and friends, and her unwavering dedication to Christ.
A private graveside service will be held at North Scipio Cemetery in Harlan, Indiana, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Hicksville.
Instead of flowers, memorials may be given to Gideons International or a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com
