Doris Ethel Ellsworth

Doris Ethel (Gingrich) Ellsworth, 88, passed into eternity into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 3, 2014 at Clare Bridge in Salem, OR.

Doris was born in Albany, Oregon on a farm, graduated from Albany High School in 1945, and lived most of her life in the Willamette Valley. She married Graham E. Parker on June 8, 1947 in Albany and they settled in Albany where they were both employed. For many years Doris worked in retail sales followed by a career as an elementary school secretary and technical group secretary at Tektronics, retiring in 1988. Doris married Gordon Ellsworth in Eugene in 1972. They settled in Salem shortly before Doris' retirement.

Doris' life revolved around family and friends, and particularly her siblings and their extended families. Much of her leisure time was spent in family gatherings, trailer camping trips and holiday celebrations. Frequently these gatherings were at her parent's farm in Millersburg, OR. Doris loved cats, and though she could not own one as a child growing up on a farm, she made up for it by owning cats (both real and ceramic) almost her entire adult life. Doris, like most of her sisters, was a collector of knick knacks, primarily glassware, plates and cats. If it was colored green, pink or amber, and did not require watering, she likely purchased it and proudly displayed it on the multiple horizontal surfaces in her home. Doris was a longtime member of the First Evangelical Church of Albany where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.

Doris was the youngest of 10 children born to Marshall H. and Jessie (Hoylman) Gingrich and all have preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was Graham E. Parker in 1974, Gordon F. Ellsworth in 2007, infant son Kevin Brian Parker in 1958 and 3 year old grandson Eric Graham Parker in 1984. She is survived by her son Graham (Priscilla) Parker of Richland, WA, granddaughters Melanie (Greg) Kvistad and their children Carson, Savannah and Mackenna of Camas, WA, and Stacey (Derrick) Bailey of Santa Barbara, CA. She is also survived by brother-in-law Dayt (Esther) Elston of Albany and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on October 18 at the Albany First Evangelical Church 1332 1st Avenue East. A luncheon and gathering will follow the service. Doris is interned in the mausoleum at Willamette Memorial Park in Albany. In lieu of flowers, friends can honor Doris by giving to Hospice Care of the Northwest, 2290 Commercial St SE Suite 108, Salem, OR 97302.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).