Doris Irene Blanton

Doris Irene Blanton, born on February 16, 1918 in Neleigh, Nebraska, passed away at home in Auburn, California on October 30, 2015. Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Raymond Harold Blanton; an infant daughter, Sandy, who passed away 3 days after birth; parents, Rev. Charles and Sylvia Estabrook; and sisters, Leah Roe and Louise Newell. She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Andrea (Gary) Ott of Auburn; son, David (Jeri) Blanton of Kihei, HI; granddaughters, Devon Blanton, Tasha Ryan and Chana Ott; grandson, Adam Blanton; great grandson, Jack Ryan; sister, Karen (Don) Bates of Wenatchee, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her mother and sisters, Doris helped her father start Goodwill Industries in the Pacific Northwest. She also graduated from the Methodist School of Nursing. In Spokane, Washington, Doris met, and later married, Raymond, her best friend and the love of her life. Their early years of marriage were filled with adventurous travel while Raymond served in the military, and seeing the New York Empire State Building was a highlight for her.

Doris became a minister’s wife when Raymond, at the urging of Doris’ father, entered the ministry. With her life-long love of music, Doris was able to channel this love by directing many of the choirs at the churches Raymond served as minister. She was an accomplished organist and, when young, was often able to get out of doing the dishes at home in order to practice, something which irritated her sisters greatly. Doris continued playing the organ throughout her life; at Auburn Ravine Terrace, her home for the last 11 years, she played twice on Sundays and again on Wednesdays for everyone’s enjoyment.

Doris retired after working over 20 years at Stanford University and the Medical Center, both as a lab technician and secretary to the Dean of Engineering. Upon retirement, Doris found great joy in horseback riding alongside her daughter Andrea. She lived a full, rich and blessed life, and we will all miss her dearly. At her request, there will be no services;