Doris Olivia Williams Obituary (1934

Doris O. WILLIAMS Doris was born in Butte, Montana to John and Lena Mathison. Doris and her older sister, Cecelia ("Ceil"), were the first generation in their family to be born in the United States after their parents were married & immigrated from Norway. During her childhood, Doris was very active in school and extracurricular activities. She enjoyed ice skating and swimming, and became a certified lifeguard. Doris expressed an early appreciation for music and joined Butte High School's Drum Cop. Her love of music continued throughout her life. Doris met her husband Roy "Chappy" Williams in Butte, Montana and they were married in 1938. In 1941, they moved from Butte to Seattle where they bought home in Wallingford and started their family. They had two daughters, Bonnie and Arleen. The family hosted many parties and gatherings at the home as they loved to entertain. They also enjoyed dancing, bowling, boating, raising animals (Pug breed dogs & horses), and traveling. At one time, the family took a trip to Los Angeles to dance live to the big band music by Lawrence Welk - a bandleader and television personality that Doris loved. Doris and Roy also purchased property in Kemore, WA and Ellensburg, WA where they raised Quarter Horses on for many years. Doris worked as an Administrative Secretary and retired after working for the University of Washington's Medical School for 16 years. Upon retiring, Doris learned to play organ music and joined a harmonica band out of the Greenwood Senior Center, 'The Harmonicats.' With the band, she performed playing for parades and various community events. At the age of 70, Doris started raising her granddaughter for her daughter Arleen as Arleen was declining in health. Doris was very active in Danielle's life despite her age, volunteering at school events and PTA meetings. In 1992, after over 50 years of marriage, Doris was widowed when Roy lost his battle with cancer. Doris had been his primary caretaker and biggest supporter leading up to his death. Shortly after, Doris and her sister (also widowed) planned a trip to Norway. They made the trip in 1993 and were able to meet their Norwegian family. They saw much of the country where their parents had lived and learned about their Norwegian family history. Doris' sister passed away a few short years later, in 1996. Doris continued to live an active life into her 90's. She cared for her daughter Arleen, who moved to an adult care home as her health issues progressed. Doris made an effort to visit her as often as possible, almost every day. If she wasn't with Arleen, she could often be found at the bowling alleys that her and Roy became regulars at, catching up with their friends that they had bowled with. Doris was an active member of Gift of Grace church in Wallingford & attending regular Sunday service was very important to her. She continued going on the annual family summer vacations, to visit her sister's family in Montana, for many years. She bought herself a brand new car in 2004, the first car she could pick out just for herself! In 2011, she celebrated Danielle's college graduation. Doris was very proud to have had all of her girls as college graduates! Doris always looked forward to celebrating holidays and birthdays with family and friends - she never missed a party! Doris' health began to decline in her mid-90's, when she was diagnosed with Diabetes and suffered heart failure, but she was always able to recover with the help of family & friends. Doris passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Northwest Hospital, from age-associated health complications, with family by her side. She was 96 years old. Doris was laid to rest this morning, with the ashes of her husband, in Kenmore, WA at Abbey View cemetery. The family is grateful to Pastor Laurie Jones (Ballard First Lutheran); Pastor Jamie Fletcher & members of the Gift of Grace congregation; the good doctors of Northwest Hospital; and all our friends and neighbors that have provided Doris & our family support, love, and prayers over the years. Thank you all. Funeral Service Wednesday, May 28th, at 11:30 a.m. at Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 N. W. 65th St., Seattle, WA 98117. Please join us at the Ballard Elks Club (6411 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle) Wednesday, May 28th, for reception at 1 p.m following the Service. We would also like to thank you for attending our service this morning in loving memory of Doris. Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com To send a flower arrangement in memory of Doris Olivia Williams, please click here to visit our sympathy store.