Doris I. Doherty of Hermiston died on June 8, 2022 in Hermiston at the age of 91.
She was born on Dec. 9, 1930 in Hermiston to William and Mary Forsman Lay.
Doris spent her early childhood in Stanfield before her family moved to Enterprise. She participated in many activities and sports, excelling in volleyball. Doris graduated from Enterprise High School in the class of 1948. She worked summer jobs and on the weekends in the hotel dining room to save money to attend college.
Doris enrolled in Eastern Oregon University and worked in the student dining room to pay her way through school. While attending Eastern she met her future husband, Matt Doherty. Doris graduated with her degree in elementary education in 1951. She was contacted by the Elgin School District to teach third grade and on Aug. 20, 1951, she was united in marriage to Matthew Doherty. After three years, she took a leave of absence to have their first child, Kathryn. They moved to Hermiston in 1958, and Doris was hired to teach fifth grade by the Hermiston School District. Their family expanded with the birth of Susan and completed with the birth of Steven. Doris earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Oregon. During her career, she touched the lives of countless children and earned well-deserved recognition by being named teacher of the year.
Doris spent her life in service to others through teaching and volunteering in the soup kitchen, and with Good Shepherd Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, playing bunko, camping and crossword puzzles. Doris was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Matt Doherty, Hermiston; daughter, Susan Russell and spouse Don, Boardman; son, Steve Doherty and spouse Pai, Boardman; son-in-law, Dave Fowler; brothers, Harold Lay, Enterprise and Melvin Lay, Lincoln City; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Kathryn Fowler; and siblings, Kenneth Lay, Edna Lay Itel, Russell Lay, Elmer Lay and William “Bill” Lay.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Hermiston. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Doris with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
