Obituary of Doris Self

Doris Arlene Self was born September 24, 1919 in Topeka, Kansas, to Jacob and Maytie Fay Grimm, and passed from this life on July 25, 2014, at the age of 94 years, 10 months. Doris received her early education in Kansas, having graduated from Eastside High School in Wichita. She also attended a Business School. On January 20, 1940, she was married to Howard Watson Self in Wichita, Kansas. To this union were born seven children: Deanna Carol, Linda Louise, Randall Howard, Stephen Errol, Aleta Arlene, Anne Laureen and Jane Marie.While Howard worked as a plumber, pipefitter and builder, Doris was a stay at home wife and mother. For a number of years, while living in Iran and in the Marshall Islands, Doris provided care for native children, while thoroughly enjoying their cultures. She, in fact, loved all children and they became the focus and joy of her life. After returning to the states, she took foster children into her own home, providing for their many needs.She was a woman of principle, integrity and strong faith. Raised in a Christian home, she was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and Christian Church denominations throughout her life. She, most recently, was a member of Norkenzie Christian Church, in Eugene, where she volunteered many years in the church nursery. She loved traditional church music and often sang special musical numbers with family members. She was a people person, forming lasting friendships wherever she lived.Doris was an excellent cook, becoming a natural food guru. She was in her element when providing delicious food for family and friends. She also loved working in her vegetable and flower gardens, and found much enjoyment feeding and watching birds.Doris lived a long and full life, outliving all her siblings as well as the siblings of her husband. She served as caregiver for her mother, husband, a sister-in law and three sisters prior to their deaths. She is survived by her seven children: Deanna Peterson (Les), of Albany; Linda Ware (Jeff), of Harrisburg; Randy Self, of Eugene; Steve Self (Anne), of Snohomish, WA; Aleta Bullard (Joe), of Mayetta, KS; Lauri Thomas, of Creswell; and Jane Self, of Creswell. Doris is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, twenty five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Samaritan's Purse, (1-800-528-1980)