Doris R. Thrush

1930 - 2017

Doris R. (Syphrit) (Reitz) Thrush, age 86, of Brookville PA, passed away March 15, 2017, at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Doris was born October 6, 1930, in DuBois to the late Herbert Syphrit and Mildred (Mowrey) Syphrit, and married Ross E. Reitz on May 26, 1951. He preceded her in death along with their eldest son, David A. Reitz, on October 22, 1963. On April 8, 1979, she married Duane O. Thrush. He preceded her in death on June 19, 1983. Her unwavering faith gave her the quiet strength to face adversity.
She graduated from Brookville High School with the Class of 1948 and lived at Broadacres Farm in Brookville her entire adult life, during which time she worked as a secretary-bookkeeper for various organizations and businesses for 60 years.
Doris was a member of Zion United Methodist Church where she served for many years as secretary, Sunday School teacher, assistant treasurer and piano player, and was also a member of the United Methodist Women. Daily Bible reading was a lifelong habit as was praying for a three-page list of people.
Doris will be remembered for her smiling face, sense of humor, ever-present camera, obsession with weather and love of ice cream. She expressed her artistic nature through tole-painted items she shared with her family, and she enjoyed music in all forms, particularly barbershop.
As the matriarch of a large extended family, she valued time with loved ones, was happiest when surrounded by her family and eagerly shared photos of family with everyone who spent time with her. Annual trips to Connecticut were a particular highlight. Her proudest legacy is that her six children genuinely enjoy each other's company and prioritize spending time together as a family multiple times a year.
She is survived by six children: Dawn Williams of Brookville, Randy Reitz of Clarion, Sue (Bob) Taylor of Raleigh, NC, Harry (Camille) Reitz of Brookville, Janet (David) Rimm of Branford, CT and Brenda (Bunk) Beatty of Brookville; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Jackie Park of Brookville, Gene (Marilyn) Thrush of York and Jay Thrush of Brookville; seven step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; brother Leonard (Marilyn) Syphrit of Augusta, GA; sister-in-law Margaret Reitz of Suffolk, VA and sister-in-law Elizabeth Syphrit of Brookville and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother John Syphrit of Brookville.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 18, 2017, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Evangelical United Methodist Church at 30 S. White St., Brookville, PA 15825. A funeral service will take place at 4 p.m. officiated by Rev. Dale Livermore and Rev. Gary Sheesley at the Evangelical United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Buechele Funeral Home of East Brady and McKinney-d'Argy Funeral Home of Brookville. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Zion United Methodist Church, 1778 Route 36, Brookville, PA 15825. Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com