Doris J. Donkle (85) of Salida passed away October 3, 2024, with her family by her side.
Doris was born May 11, 1939, in Salida, to Theodore J. and Nellie (Starbuck) Judge Sr. at their home on G St. Doris lived most of her life in the 700 block of G street. She is the youngest of six children. She graduated from Salida High School in 1957 where she created lifelong friendships with Marylin (Struna) Coleman, Jacque (Lotshaw) Williams and Alberta (Chavez) Cook. After graduation Doris worked for a local attorney for a brief time before starting to work at the Chevrolet dealership at E and 1st street June 1, 1957. Her career with Chevrolet spanned 44 years working alongside Lorraine Pasquale. Doris often joked that she really changed jobs every five years when the dealership was bought and sold over the years. She continued working part-time for the dealership into her mid-70’s. She enjoyed her work and the detail of reconciling bank statements.
Doris married Thomas D. Donkle Sr on August 16, 1962, in Salida, they divorced in July 1979. Tom Sr. died in January 1980 after a brief illness. Together they had two children, Tom Jr and Brenda. Doris was a strong woman, a quiet provider for here children. She made sure those around her were always put first, while she went without, her children and family were her priority. Doris never judged anyone, she took them at face value and welcomed them into her life.
Doris loved collecting owls and globes, along with watching T.V., doing puzzles, reading and spending time with her family. She was avid bowler in her younger years and once bowled 606 series.
Doris is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Irene Carter, Ted Jr., Edith Rout and Jo Walker, brother in-laws Ken Carter, Don Hayden, Jim Walker, David Donkle, Paul Donkle and in-laws Charles and Lone Donkle as well as nephews Dick Carter, James Hayden and Mike Rout. She is survived by her son Thomas and wife Elizabeth, daughter Brenda and husband George Dixon, sister Cathrine Hayden, brother-in-law Clarence Rout, Chuck (Karen) Donkle, Lynette Donkle, grandsons, George IV (Leah) Dixon, Cole Dixon, Joshua Donkle, and Seth (Larissa) Donkle, great-grandchildren Peyton & Gracie Donkle, twins Elexis & Patience Dixon, Calliope Dixon, step great grand-children SJ and Sawyer Wilkens, who she loved like her own.
Special thanks to daughter #2 Cheri Coleman and husband Mike and children Brandon & Bryttney for all the love and support over the years.
At her request there will be no services, a small graveside ceremony for the family will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home in Salida.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at LewisandGlenn.com.
