Born in Lansing, MI on May 21, 1934 to Earl and Nellie Robbins. Doris moved to the family farm on Dexter Trail, Mason in 1939 where her parents later owned and operated the Robbins Grocery. She graduated from Dansville Agricultural School in 1951 and got her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Michigan State University in 1958.
Doris served in the U.S. Army – Women’s Army Air Corp (WAC) 3rd Platoon, Company B in 1961 in Fort McClellan, Alabama where she attained the rank of second lieutenant. She was a secretary and print machine operator from 1962 – 1973 for Dart Container Corp in Mason, MI.
Upon graduation from Dansville Schools, Doris attended Lansing Practical School of Nursing from January 7. 1952 and graduated in January 1953. She was a nurse at Mason General Hospital while attending Michigan State University. She was an avid MSU fan and enjoyed watching MSU sports. She then graduated from MSU with a Secondary Provisional Certificate to become a teacher in Physical Science, Zoology, and Social Science.
Doris was then a Rural Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service for 15 years from 1984 – 1999, serving routes in Mason, Williamston, and retiring from Holt P.O.
She was a flight instructor for General Aviation Corp. based at Capital City Airport in Lansing, MI in the 1970’s. Doris had her Private Pilot License and Commercial Pilot License. She taught 15-20 student members of the MSU Winged Spartans in the mid 1970’s based at Mason’s Jewett Airfield. Doris owned and restored her own airplane – called Piper Colt N5423Z.
While a teen, Doris was active in Ingham County 4-H, showing horses with her sister, Ruthann, later becoming a leader.
A fierce and independent woman, she loved reading, crossword puzzles, and researching family genealogy showing provenance back to the Mayflower descendants. She always had a story to tell.
Predeceased by her parents, brother William B. Robbins, sister Ruthann (Robbins) Rice and nephew Rodney Robbins.
Survived by her brother-in-law Lynn Rice and special sister-in-law Audrey Robbins; nephews Steven Rice, Charles Rice and James (Dorinda) Rice; and nieces Connie Strouse, Sherie Horton, and Kandis (Richard) Bell; and many great/great-great nieces and nephews.
The family expresses its thankfulness to Haven of Rest in Williamston, the care team and caring solutions. A huge thank you to Meaghan, Colleen, Diane, Robin, Carolyn, Stacey and many others who helped care for our Aunt these past several years. Many blessings for the wonderful work that you do. Also, her friends at Haven – such a warm and welcoming family.
Per Doris’ wishes, cremation has taken place with a graveside inurnment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Haven of Rest 2447 N. Williamston Road Williamston, MI 48895, The Care Team 5401 Gateway Center Suite D Flint, MI 48507, and Caring Solutions [email protected], or to the family c/o Steven Rice 360 W Dexter Trail Mason, MI 48854.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Robbins family.
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