Doris S. Gurtler passed away on October 16, 2023, after several difficult years with Alzheimer’s Disease. Doris is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard, daughters Kimberly Eshaia and Stephanie Sadler (husband Jim), grandchildren Gabriel (24) and Alexis (19). Doris is also survived by her siblings David Raupp, Skip Raupp, Harve Raupp, LuAnn Harshey, Ken Raupp, and Shirley Wedge.
Doris was born July 24, 1941, in Palatine, Illinois. She began her life living in Park Ridge, Illinois with her parents Raymond and Lucille Raupp and her siblings. In December of 1952, because of severe asthmatic symptoms of her brother Skip, the family moved to Mesa, Arizona. The family worshipped at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church and her father worked for Reynolds Aluminum company in Phoenix. Doris attended school at, what was then, Seton High School in Chandler until transferring to Mesa High School for her junior year. Doris graduated from Mesa High School in 1959.
On August 9, 1959, Doris married Richard W. Gurtler, in San Francisco, CA at the Glide Memorial Methodist Church. Richard was in the Marines and stationed at the Treasure Island Naval base while attending radar electronics school. In 1960, Richard was transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, to complete further radar electronics training. At the conclusion of his training, Richard was asked to stay at MCRD to serve as an instructor for future recruits and would therefore not be transferred again. Doris and Richard lived off-base in local rentals, and on June 13, 1960, Kimberly was born at the Naval Medical Center near Balboa Park.
While living in San Diego, Doris entered Cosmetology school and completed her training as a Cosmetologist after which she worked for a short time there as a Cosmetologist.
In 1962 Richard was discharged from the marines and the family moved back to Mesa, AZ. Richard then attended ASU pursuing, and ultimately completing, a PhD in Physics in 1972. During this period, the family worshipped at the Church of the Redeemer in Mesa, where they came to know many friends for life. On May 28, 1965, Stephanie was born.
Doris worked as a Cosmetologist for a number or years, some of which were at a salon called the Bushwacker, owned by Doris and LuAnn Harshey – her sister.
In 1980, the family moved into their new home on Mountain View Dr. in Mesa, which would be their home for the next 42 years. During this period, she enjoyed raising our two beautiful daughters. In addition, utilizing some of her many artistic talents, she enjoyed decorating our home. Doris continued to provide hair cutting and styling for family and friends who would come to our home. Doris loved providing these services and the fellowship it provided.
Doris was a gardener at heart. She loved being outdoors, tending to our landscape. She especially loved her roses which were prominent at the front of our home, and which produced many appreciative comments from passersby. She also loved to interact with our Latino landscape maintenance crew and would try to speak some Spanish to them which would make them smile; they loved Doris.
Doris loved to play tennis. She played in several women’s tennis leagues and served as captain for many years. She developed many lasting friendships with her tennis gals.
Doris loved and adored her cats – both Savvy and Kassie. But most of all Doris loved her family and adored her grandchildren. They, by far, brought her the most joy and happiness.
Doris was a wonderful wife, mother, grand mommy, sister, and friend.
During her last years, while in memory care and then in her group home, all the staff and residents loved Doris. Her sweet spirit and beautiful smile. She was loved and will be deeply missed by all.
The family wishes that any gifts or remembrances be achieved through contributions to the Cure Alzheimer’s Foundation or like organization.
A memorial service will be held on November 14, at Grace Community Church in Tempe, in Lamb’s Chapel at 11:00 am.