Doris Elaine Gilbert

Doris Elaine Gilbert (née Gill) was born on November 20, 1947, in Havre, Montana, the firstborn of Donald "Bud" Gill and Gladys Skones Gill. She was raised in Harlem, Montana, where her mother taught school and her father was a farmer. Doris cherished her early years on the farm-playing with animals and riding horses, recounting with humor a time she was thrown from a horse into a patch of cactus.

In high school, Doris's love for music blossomed. A skilled pianist, she accompanied classmates at musical competitions and played for the Lutheran church. After graduating from Harlem High School, she attended Montana State University in Bozeman, where she pursued a degree in education-an apt choice for someone who was a natural-born teacher.

While at MSU, Doris met Larry John Gilbert of Scobey. The two were married on July 13, 1968, and shortly thereafter moved to the Seattle area. Doris completed her Bachelor's degree in Teaching and History at the University of Washington in 1969 and began her career as an elementary school teacher. When the couple later relocated to upstate New York, Doris continued teaching and went on to earn a Master's degree in Education from the State University of New York.

After returning to the Seattle area, Doris and Larry welcomed three sons: Jeremy in 1976, Ryan in 1979, and Andrew in 1983. Doris was a devoted and loving mother who poured her heart into raising her boys. She taught them many things-among them, how to play the piano.

Teaching remained a focus of Doris's life. She became a beloved teacher in her church and eventually started a home piano studio, where she taught scores of children-and the occasional adult-with great patience, joy, and skill.

A devout Christian, Doris was active in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship, where she formed deep, lifelong friendships. She shared her musical gifts as a volunteer playing piano at a nearby retirement home for 25 years. She enjoyed playing tennis with Larry and her friends whenever she could. Her faith, generosity, and strength touched countless lives.

In 2021, Doris was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare and terminal neurological disease. She faced this final chapter with the same grace, courage, and faith that defined her entire life.

Doris was a deeply loving "Nana" to her eight grandchildren: Lucas and Frederick (Jeremy and Elizabeth), Elijah and Abigail (Ryan and Cheryl), and Avery, Claire, Ethan, and Shane (Andrew and Jill). She delighted in every moment with them.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years, Larry; her sister Patricia (John) Gilbert; her brother Larry (Marishka) Gill; her sister-in-law Sandra Gill; her children Jeremy and Elizabeth, Ryan and Cheryl, and Andrew and Jill; and her cherished grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lee Gill.

Doris will be remembered as a caring, selfless woman who consistently put others before herself. Her unwavering faith in Jesus guided every part of her life, and she shared that love with all those around her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the blessing of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 14 at 1 p.m. at Crossroads Bible Church in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers we appreciate donations to Mission MSA..