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Doris Church Obituary
Dody was born Sept. 8, 1934 in Seattle, Wash., to Lavern and Hazel Crawford.
A friend introduced her to her husband, Willis Carlyle Church, in 1954 while he was in the military, stationed at Fort Lawton, Seattle. They were married on June 2, 1956.
In 1970, the couple moved to Ellensburg, where they lived with their five children.
Dody loved to spend time with her entire family, which includes 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In recent years, she became interested in genealogy and began tracking down distant members of her ever-growing family. No matter how many relatives she tracked down, Dody had lots of love to give everyone.
She also had a fondness for animals, and was forever caring for abandoned and unwanted furry friends.
Her love of animals extended to the rest of her life, too. She was very involved with 4-H and the Kittitas County Fair. She was also a 23-year volunteer with the Community Accountability Board.
As for her professional life in Ellensburg, Dody retired from the dining services department of Central Washington University, where she enjoyed working with the students every day.
In her spare time, Dody loved to crochet, collect salt and pepper shakers and commemorative spoons and spend time with lifelong friend Darlene Miller.
Dody is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother James Crawford and sisters Kathryn Wilkes and Joyce Crawford.
She is survived by her children: Ed (Regi) Church, of Pocatello, Idaho, Jeff Church, of Ellensburg, Susan (Noel) Yingling, of Moses Lake, Wash., Lisa McGaha, of Yakima, Wash., and Ron (Donna) Church, of Renton, Wash.; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There will be no formal graveside service.
Memorials may be donated to The Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Doris Church
Kathy Hanna
February 19, 2011
To all of Dody's family-I have never met you. My husband Gene was in the military with Willis. We stopped occcasionally to visit Dody when we were hunting and Dody answered many geneology questions for me on email. My heart goes out to all of you. She was one heck of a gal.
Pamela Abbe
February 11, 2011
Ed,Jeff, and girls, am so sorry to hear of your lose. I can remember talking to your mom whenever there was a function at the Kittitas Schools. I will keep you in my daily prayers
June Woodiwiss Keith
February 11, 2011
Ed and Family, so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great lady and will always be remembered fondly. June Woodiwiss Keith
Laurie Gates
February 9, 2011
Buffy & Ed ~ So sorry to hear about your mom. Just wanted to let you know that the 2 of you and your family are in my thoughts at this diffcult time. Take Care. Hugs.
February 8, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss! You will be in my prayers! Tracy Miller, and Sharon Miller(Sandnes)Blessings,
Leila Church Bridges
February 6, 2011
Dody was my sister-in-law by marriage. I found Dody again thru genealogy. .. I was there when Ed and Buff both were born. They were such a happy couple
February 6, 2011
We spent our first years together in Newhalem Wa. There's a picture of us learning to walk together. After our families moved to Seattle, we stayed in touch, growing up and into our teens. You were a member of my wedding party. We stayed in touch through letters during your West Point stay, end even afterwards for a while, then lost touch for a few years. We did reconnect and whenever I went to Seattle, I made sure to include a trip to Ellensburg. I shall miss you, my dearest friend. All the animals in Heaven will be coming to for succor and love. I miss you already. Shirley Ohman
Cindy Garnich
February 4, 2011
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
Johnny Mumpower
February 4, 2011
Aunt Dody held a very special place in my heart. She was a very special link to my mother's side of the family. Her love for her family was always evident in her letters and cards I received from her. I will miss her. The family will always be in my heart. I will remember the family in prayer during this time of mourning. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Love you all. Johnny Mumpower
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