Doris Marie Francis

1936 - 2025

Doris Marie Francis, 88

It is with heavy hearts and deep respect that we commemorate the life of an extraordinary individual whose journey on this earth has left an indelible mark upon all who had the privilege of knowing her. Doris Francis passed away in the early hours of August 29, 2025, in Kalispell with the love of her family surrounding her.

Doris was born in Merino, Colorado to Adolph and Elsie Doleshall. She graduated from Merino High School in 1954. She married August Hoppal in 1955, they lived and worked in Sterling, Colorado moving to Denver in 1956. Doris had fond memories of growing up on the farm and working in her grandmother's restaurant in Merino. In Denver she worked in the hospitality industry while raising her three children; Mark, Lori and Coleen. In 1975, Doris made the move to Kalispell, Montana with her daughters in tow.

She found her calling at the Outlaw Inn working for Buck and Rusty Torstenson. Starting as a part-time banquet waitress she was soon the Convention Coordinator. Her tenure at the Outlaw from 1976 until 2001 was full of adventure, meeting and greeting people from all over the world and planning events including conventions for as many as 1,000 people to small intimate dinner parties. Doris made many lifelong friends during this time.

After the passing of her husband, Don Francis, in 2000, she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law Coleen and Dave Michael. She spent quality time with her grandsons, Adam and DJ, during their early years creating a special bond with the boys.

Retirement wasn't for Doris so she went to work at Herberger's Department store for another 10 years making a new cadre of dear friends. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Glacier National Park greeting travelers at the visitor center at Logan Pass.

Most everyone that knew Doris, knows that her happy place was her "cabin" near Echo Lake. She valued the solitude of being surrounded by nature, but she also loved sharing her cabin with friends and family. She had many neighbors whose friendship she cherished.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Adolph Doleshall, sister Charlotte Kasper and brother Charles Doleshall.

Doris is survived by her children, Mark (Jeri) Hoppal; Lori (Bobby) Lanfear; Coleen (Dave) Michael. Grandchildren, Josh (Trina) Lanfear; Zachary Lanfear; DJ Michael (Tierra) and Adam Michael and great-grandchildren, Payten, Logan and Karson Lanfear.

Special thanks to everyone from Logan Hospice for their care of Doris and the family over the past 10 months, their kindness and compassion will be forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance, to share stories and pay tribute to a remarkable life on Saturday, September 27th @ 11am at the Hampton Inn Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to Logan Health Hospice or a charity or cause that reflects the values and passions that guide your life. Doris will be Forever remembered, forever missed.