Doris L. Sims

Beloved mom, gramma, great gramma, sister, aunt, and friend Doris Lorraine Sims, breathed her last breath on Oct. 7th, 2014. She has gone home to her Lord and King with his house of many mansions (John 14:1-4). She came to the earth at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on February 15th, 1921, the eldest child and only daughter of Guy and Edna Meredith. Her girlhood years were spent at Eau Claire and Lake Hallie, Wisconsin, before coming to Washington State with her family in 1932. She attended Gower School in Lake Hallie, Wapato Junior High in Wapato, Washington, and graduated from North Central High School in 1937. In 1940 she married Elwood Sims, which marriage lasted 10 days short of 72 years when Elwood died in 2012. While a young girl she gave her life to Christ, and one of her primary joys was serving her church. She was a member of, and attended Central Baptist Church since the late 1930s, where she was a longtime member of the choir and a Sunday School teacher. Her only ambition in life was that of mother and grandmother, a role to which she excelled. During her long life, she was involved in numerous organizations including PTA, Letter Carriers Auxiliary, Sons of Norway, and church groups. She was later employed by her brother at Riessen’s Orthopedic Appliances, which she enjoyed for several years before retiring. She found joy in sewing and cooking. Along with her brothers she would sing at the drop of a hat, and even in her nineties could remember hundreds of songs by heart. She was an enthusiastic citizen who loved her country and flag, and voted in every election since the 1940s. She felt privileged to have been able to travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition to her husband Elwood, Doris was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Bob and Jim, sister-in-law Esther, and son-in-law Steve. She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren throughout the country: Larry (JoAnn), Nancy, Mark (Vicki), Jeff (Lorae), Anastacia (Dave), Kyle, Lori (Jim), Todd (Amy), Amanda (Jason), Lisa (Neil), Jason (Vicky), Jesse, Josh (Melissa), Nathan, Julia, Lindsay (Doug), Aaron, Sydney, Grace, Addison, Kinley, Chase, Aidan, Kate, and Stella; brother Jack (Dollee), and sister-in-law Betty. She also leaves a large group of nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn her loss. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the staff of Avalon Care Center. Your compassion and professionalism leaves us without adequate words to thank you. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm Saturday, October 25th at Central Baptist Church, W. 19 Shannon, to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts may be made to Central Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------