Doris Elaine Meyer

Doris Meyer, 89, passed away Jan. 27, 2021, at the Meyer family farm on the Rathdrum prairie. She was born in Spokane, Wash., to parents Claude and Alice (Garside) Bumpus. Doris fought and conquered lung cancer many years ago, only to finally succumb to a return of the disease.

Doris spent her childhood on her parent's farm located on the 'east side of the tracks' in Hillyard, Wash. She attended Columbia grade school for eight years. The school was located across the cow pasture from the farm house.

As a young girl, she helped her mom take care of her two sisters who had contracted polio. She dearly loved her brothers and was especially close to Norman, who died at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II when she was 11 years old. She was also very close to her elderly grandfather who lived on the farm with the family.

Doris was married when she was only 14 years old, had three children by the time she was 18 (Norman 'Corky', Marilyn and Dale) and found herself a single parent at 19 years old. Though she only completed the eighth grade, Doris worked as an underaged waitress and barmaid to make ends meet. Her children lived with their loving, maternal grandparents most of the next six years while she worked and attended school.

Doris earned her GED and finished Kinman Business College in Spokane. Shortly thereafter, she was one of the first women hired by Kaiser Aluminum Trentwood Works. She was trained as a lab technician and worked nine years in Kaiser's quantometer and chemical laboratories.

It was at Kaiser that Doris met the love of her life, Norman Meyer. She and Norman were married on Valentine's Day, 1958. Norman was the greatest gift she could ever give her three children. He immediately adopted them and has shown them undying love and devotion. He also gave Corky, Marilyn and Dale the gift of a new brother and sister, Debbie and Mike, from his previous marriage. In 1959, the baby of the family, Doreen was born.

Doris was a talented artist. Many of her friends and children have been the recipients of her paintings. Doris loved to dance, from the Jitterbug at grange halls with her brother, Boyd, to years of square dancing with Norman.

She was very interested in her and Norman's history and genealogy. She kept meticulous records and had an astute memory of people, places and events. She was also a voracious reader who kept abreast of local and world affairs. Everyone enjoyed her sharp wit and sense of humor. Toward the end, she told everyone “Dying is hard! I don't think I'll do it again.”

By far, her greatest focus was on her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. On holidays and special occasions, the farmhouse would be filled with family, relatives and friends enjoying Doris's meals and Norman's singing and playing the guitar.

Doris was very strong willed and felt no qualms about sharing her opinion on any subject or anyone - good or bad. She said having to grow up quick and make adult decisions at such a young age forced her to be independent and tough. She approached life with determination and purpose.

Doris was able to stay home on the farm where Norman was born in 1928, until her passing, thanks to the many months of loving, attentive care given to her by her husband and her daughter, Marilyn. Norman's faithful dedication to his wife never wavered during this difficult time. Marilyn's 50 plus years experience as a nurse and her love and care for her mom was such a blessing. Her other children were there to give loving assistance with meals, yard work and housekeeping while Norman and Marilyn focused on helping Doris.

The family also wishes to thank Hospice of North Idaho for the 'at home care' assistance they provided.

Doris was preceded in death by her stepson, Mike Meyer; parents, Claude and Alice Bumpus; sisters, infant Mary (before Doris was born), Joy Friedland and Claudine Utke, and brothers, Norman, Boyd and Lee Bumpus. She was also preceded in death by lifetime friend, Mary Hayworth. Doris is survived by husband, Norman, at home and children, Corky (Judy) Meyer, Marilyn (John) Fisher, Dale Meyer (Kathy Carlisle) and Doreen (Roger) Thomas. She is also survived by stepdaughter, Debbie Vanslate (Joseph Putich) and stepdaughter-in-law, Diane Meyer. Doris's six grandchildren are Allison Meyer, David Fisher, Tanya Faley, Jason Meyer, Joshua Welden and Lucus Welden. Her three step-grandsons are Ron Meyer, Ric Meyer and Scott Vanslate. She is survived by 14 great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

The Neptune Society is in charge of final arrangements. As Per Doris's request, there will be no public funeral or memorial service. There will be a private family graveside service at a later date. The family suggests a donation in Doris's name to a food bank of your choice.