Doris Aileen Waters

Doris Aileen Merchant Waters, passed away peacefully, early in the morning, August 22, 2024. She was born on October 19, 1922, in Upland, California. Doris was the daughter of Harold and Donna (Decker) Merchant. She was an only child, but she had many close friends and enjoyed strong and loving connections with family.

Doris enjoyed school and was active in programs offered at Fannie D. Mae Grammar School and Upland Junior High, and later at Chaffey High School and Chaffey Junior College. Doris loved music and sang with many choral groups and landed the lead role in the inaugural production at Chaffey’s Gardner Spring Auditorium.

Doris’s faith was a central pillar of her life. She gave her heart to the Lord at age 11. She was a devoted and active member of the Upland 1st Church of the Nazarene for many years. Her commitment to her faith and church community was unwavering.

Doris met the love of her life, Wallace (Wally) Warren Waters during study hall in the Chaffey High School Memorial Library. Their union on June 21, 1942, marked a remarkable 74-year marriage. Together, Doris and Wally were a tireless team involved in many leadership roles in their church and community.

Family was extremely important to Doris. She and Wally were blessed with two sons, Wally and Rob. Their hearts and home were open to many friends, and foreign exchange students who also became like family. Her love for life was evident in every aspect of her being.

Preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Doris is survived by sons Wally Waters and his wife Sally of Bolivia, NC, and Rob Waters and his partner Robert Alpaugh of Tucson AZ. Her legacy endures through her grandsons, Todd (Donna) Waters of Nashville TN, Tim (Kristina) Waters of Waxsaw NC, and Michael Waters of Ontario CA, also her eight great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Doris’s infectious smile, boundless love, and bright spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith and joy.

Visitation:

Friday, September 6, 2034, 6-8pm

Ontario 1st Church of the Nazarene

1311 W 5th St, Ontario, CA 91762

Memorial Service:

Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11:00am,

Ontario 1st Church of the Nazarene

1311 W 5th St, Ontario, CA 91762

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Doris Waters may be made to:

Children’s Hope Group Home

P.O. Box 1938

Upland, CA 91785