Doris Bauer

1927 - 2020

Doris Bauer
May 7, 1927 - December 13, 2020
Belleville, Illinois - Doris Lucille Bauer, nee Bowen, 93, of Belleville, IL, born on Saturday, May 7, 1927, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, December 13, 2020, in Holts Summit, MO.
Doris, or "Do" / "DoDo", as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and will be missed by all who knew her.
Born and raised in East St. Louis, IL, she attended school there until her family moved to Belleville in 1944. She graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1945, and volunteered at the local USO during and after the war, when she began her career as a secretary in the Enlisted Personnel Office at Scott Air Force Base, IL. Doris continued working at Scott AFB until she retired to become a full-time homemaker and mother.
Doris married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Bauer, on May 5, 1951, at Christ United Church of Christ, where they remained members until she moved to Missouri following Ralph's death in 2014.
Doris, at a height of 4'8", was a little woman with a big personality who had many interests and hobbies. She was an avid reader and bridge player and was active in several card clubs throughout her life. She enjoyed working as an election poll volunteer for over ten years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Southern Illinois Doll Club, where she organized and presented programs of all kinds for various organizations in the community.
She will be remembered for her cheerful nature, generosity, wonderful sense of humor, and her numerous collections. It would be hard to name a collectible that Doris did not possess. Her doll collection was especially extensive and included well over 1000 dolls of all kinds. Although her collections were quite vast and impressive, everyone would agree that Doris was the real treasure.
She found joy in the smallest of things and spread that joy everywhere she went and with everyone she met.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ralph Bauer; parents: Ralph T. and Zelma (nee Farmer) Bowen; and brothers: Lester Bowen, Robert Bowen, & Ralph "Lloyd" Bowen
She is survived by her two daughers: Denise Lewis (Bill), of Jacksonville, Florida and Deidre Mueller (Kurt), of Holts Summit, Missouri; five grandchildren: Leslie Szendel (Bryan), Ethan Mueller (Amber), Alyssa Mueller(Darren), Allison Argueta(Alex), & Madeline Lewis; two great -grandchildren: Elias Mueller & Leo Argueta; sister, Ruth Ann Snover; sister-in-law, Juvean Bowen; brother-in-law, Roy "Mike" Rothweiler; and many nieces and nephews.
A private interment will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fairview Heights, IL.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for friends and family will be scheduled at a later date.
Friends are encouraged to share thoughts and memories of Doris at the online guest book at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.
The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice of Jefferson City for their loving care and compassion for Doris. Memorial donations in her name can be sent to: Kindred Hospice, 1616 Southridge Drive, Suite 101, Jefferson City, MO 65109.