Doris Autry-Alexander

Doris Bevelene Autry-Alexander

October 1, 1930

February 4, 2016

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Doris Bevelene Autry-Alexander D.V.M. MPH. Her husband, Ross Alexander, and son, Rodney Alexander, preceded her in death. Doris's legacy of selflessness and generosity will be carried on by her daughter, Cecilia Woosley (Jim Woosley); son, Stephen Alexander (Sandra Powers); daughter, Catherine Alexander and grandsons, Andrew and Mitchell Alexander; daughter, Deborah Mountcastle; daughter, Elizabeth Piombo (John Piombo) and granddaughter, Sarah Piombo; daughter, Paula Leeder (Alex Leeder) and granddaughters, Cordelia and Olivia Leeder. Over a rich 85 years, Doris truly lived a full and wonderful life.

Born in St. Louis, MO in 1930, Doris was raised on a farm in rural Georgia where her love of animals ignited her dream of becoming a veterinarian. After graduating from high school at 16, she entered the University of Georgia and was the second woman to graduate as a D.V.M. from their Veterinary Medicine program. Doris practiced in New York City until she received acceptance into Harvard University's Master of Public Health-Epidemiology program. There she met her future husband, and after graduating in the spring of 1954, they were married. Doris went on to raise seven bright and creative children. She enriched their lives with an appreciation for science, art, music, poetry, and the performing arts. She saw beauty in everything!

Doris's career included supervisory and administrative positions in the USDA. She worked her way up from the small town of Yreka, CA to the nation's capital. She enforced quality care and humane treatment of livestock. Doris advanced her career from the USDA to Veterinarian Services, where she served as an Area Vet in Charge of the Port of Los Angeles for import/export of exotic and rare animals. Her career culminated as an Area Vet in charge of Northern NV; she retired in 1999. Doris continuously empowered the people she supervised and acknowledged their accomplishments.

In retirement, Doris enjoyed crocheting, participating in the State Fair, restoring furniture, singing with Senior Singers, and she especially adored attending weekly "Grumpy Old Men" performances with her friends. Everyone who interacted with Doris can attest to her genuinely loving, generous, and kind personality. Although her body extinguished at sunrise on February 4th, her spirit will live on in the joyful memories of her family and those whose lives she touched.

A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, March 13th from 12:30-2pm at Bartley Ranch Park (6000 Bartley Ranch Rd. Reno, NV) in the old school house. Those who knew and loved her are encouraged to attend.