Doris Olga Wales

Doris Olga Wales, age 98 went into the arms of her Savior on Sunday, July 31, 2016. She was born on January 15, 1918 in Kalamazoo to Thaddeus L. and Vivian E. Burke (Louden). She grew up in the Vicksburg – Comstock area attending both area High Schools and graduating from the W. K. Kellogg Agricultural High School at Hickory Corners.

On October 26, 1936 Doris married her life’s partner and the love of her life, Gordon R Wales at her parent’s home in Prairieville, Michigan. He preceded her in death in 1999. Gordon and Doris moved to Albion in 1936 and spent the rest of their lives in the Albion area. To this union were born two children; a daughter Lorretta Jean Bonsall and a son Russell L. Wales.

Doris was a homemaker when her children were young. Afterwards, she began a career as a caregiver to children. Many Albion area families had “Grandma Doris” looking after their well being when Mom and Dad were unavailable. Each child held a special place in her heart and she considered each one a part of her family. Doris enjoyed crocheting and embroidering, making booties for each grandchild, decorating pillowcases, table runners and gowns. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had the time and patience to play games, teach them how to cook and especially to make cookies. It made no difference to her if the household chores were put on hold or if the kitchen got a little messy. Not only did the Wales family enjoy Doris’ cookies, but the entire neighborhood looked forward to a special pumpkin cookie on Halloween. She also enjoyed her gardens vegetable and flower as well as camping throughout Michigan.

Doris was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ. She began attending Salem in 1937 and became a member in 1945. She was a Sunday School Teacher, served as Sunday School Superintendent for over twenty-five years and was the leaders of the Youth Fellowship for many years. She was a leader of the Woman’s Guild and served as a devotions leader in the church’s Outreach Program. For many years, Doris along with the assistance of Gordon wrote and duplicated the Salem Visitor, put together the annual reports for the annual congregational meeting and produced the weekly Sunday Service Bulletin.

After moving to her present home near Rice Creek, Doris became an active member of the Rice Creek Ladies Aid serving as Treasurer until failing health made it impossible for her to attend the organizations activities

Preceding her in death were her parents, Thaddeus and Vivian Burke, husband Gordon R. Wales (1999), brother in law Frank Wales, sister in law Lucille Wales and nephew Arthur Eugene Wales.

Surviving to cherish her memory are daughter Lorretta Jean (John) Bonsall of Okemos, son Russell L. (Maddleen) Wales of Albion, grandchildren Russell (Geraldine) Wales Jr., Rebecca Ann Wales (Jon) Young, Mary Bonsall (Joe) Martin, Joseph (Beth) Bonsall, great grandchildren Lauren Ashley Young (Richard) Lindsey, Zachary Young, Dianna Martin, Kent Martin, John Russell Wales and Kiana Cheyene Wales and great great grandson Tristen Lindsey and niece Kay (Joe) Van Dosen.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 12:00PM (NOON) with visitation at 11:00AM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224 with Reverend Lorraine Grinnell officiating.

Memorial contributions can be given to the Albion Salem United Church of Christ, 113 W. Pine Street, Albion, MI 49224

To leave messages of condolence for the family please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com