Doris Helen (Dockter) Sailer

Doris Sailer, 90, of Maple Valley, passed away peacefully in her home July 23, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.

Born Doris Helen Dockter, she was the second child and first daughter born to Louie and Christina (Eisenbraun) Dockter on February 8, 1932, in a humble farmhouse on the plains of Golden Valley, North Dakota. She spent her early years helping her parents, three brothers, and sister with day-to-day operations on the farm. A tough means, this experience shaped her strong work ethic and compassion for others, highlighted throughout her many accomplishments in life.

Married to her the love of her life, Oscar Sailer, on August 31, 1952, and children of parents of the great depression, the couple lived by meagre means, traveling state-to-state in their trailer following job opportunities for Oscar. During this time, the couple welcomed four children and eventually settled in Seattle where Doris managed the household while raising loving and successful children and working occasionally as a cashier/waitress at The Barb. In 1976, the couple returned to North Dakota (Mandan). Here she reentered the conventional workforce, working in the kitchen with the Mandan School District, while also assisting her husband in the construction of multiple homes. In 1987, the couple returned to Washington (Maple Valley), where they resided in the home they built with their sons until their deaths.

Doris treasured spending time with family and friends, dancing (polka!) and playing cards, with which adoration she passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to garden and grew the finest rhubarb, tomatoes, and cucumbers wherever she resided. Doris also enjoyed baking, sewing, making delicious German food, and solving crossword puzzles. You could always find her taking in the sights on Lake Sawyer with a cup of coffee and a word puzzle by her side.

Doris is survived by her older brother and sister-in-law, two sons, two daughters and sons-in-law, four grandchildren and their spouses, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews; all of whom loved and adored her. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, two younger brothers, and sister.

Doris will be buried with Oscar at Tahoma National Cemetery. She will be greatly missed but always in our hearts.

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