Born Doris Ellen Smith on November 21, 1936 to Vera Irene Kirkpatrick Smith and Bernard T. Smith in Cornell, WI, Doris grew up on a busy dairy farm at Huron, WI. Her strong work ethics were developed at an early age, daily cooking hearty breakfasts on a wood stove for her family of dairy workers. Her love for cooking, baking, and entertaining continued through her lifetime.
On June 23, 1956, Doris married her high school sweetheart Russell L. Creaser at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, WI. The following August, the newlyweds set out on a new adventure to Poplar, MT where Doris worked for the Federal Government and Russell began his teaching career. Their two sons, Timothy and James, were born in Poplar. After four years, they moved to Helena, MT where Russ taught music in the Helena School District and Doris worked part time for Pitney Bowes Co. In 1962 Russ was called to develop a music program at a new high school in Billings, MT. In 1963, a little girl, Kimberlee, was born to complete their family. Doris was a busy mother caring and nurturing their three small children as well as serving as a daycare for several small neighborhood children.
Doris enrolled at Eastern Montana College starting with a few classes in the summers when Russ was home with the children. By 1980, she had earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities. She was one of the first teachers in that field in Billings, as well as the Pacific Northwest. She always continued her education while teaching in Billings as well as in Mesa, AZ. She loved her 28-year teaching career and shared her expertise as a private volunteer after retiring from full time teaching.
Doris was active in the Lutheran churches they attended by playing bell choirs, serving as a leader in the Women’s Bible Study Circles, heading up funeral and wedding receptions, and furthering her love for the Lord through Bible studies. She loved playing tennis, riding her bicycle, playing Bridge and other card games, dancing, and living a full life in their Las Palmas Retirement Community.
Doris is survived by her children Timothy Creaser of Mesa, James (Marlene) Creaser of Sequim, WA/Mesa, AZ, Kimberlee (Steve) Larsen of White Salmon, WA, seven grandchildren: Hannah (Lucas) Reis, Lara Creaser, Ian (Sage) Creaser, Caelan (Sean) Brennan, Brielle (Levi) Hawkes, Kirsten Larsen, and Elsa (Josh, partner) Larsen. She is also survived by four great granddaughters: Lillian and Holly Reis, and Rosalyn and Eloise Hawkes. Sisters-in-law Leonese Smith and Lydia Creaser, and many nieces and nephews also survive her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell, her parents, her three brothers James, Robert, and Thomas, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ with a light lunch following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Love of Christ Columbarium.
I was one of those children Mrs Creaser cared for! Even at my early age (kindergarten) I knew she was a loving and caring person. May she rest in peace . My condolences to Jim and all the family.
Very sorry for your loss. Doris was a special lady. She was kind and caring. Remember many times together at the VFW in LP and the computer club. Rest in Peace Doris.
I was one of those children Mrs Creaser cared for! Even at my early age (kindergarten) I knew she was a loving and caring person. May she rest in peace . My condolences to Jim and all the family.
Very sorry for your loss. Doris was a special lady. She was kind and caring. Remember many times together at the VFW in LP and the computer club. Rest in Peace Doris.