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I have many fond memories of my Aunt Doris. My immediate family spent many enjoyable weekends visiting the Hinkhouse farm as we were growing up and Aunt Doris was always welcoming and cheerful. I don’t recall her ever being negative about anything. In the past few years when we had the opportunity to stop at he house to visit she was the same aunt that that I knew as a kid. Very kind and reassuring and always with an interest in what we were doing. I know she we’ll be greatly missed but, not forgotten by all that knew her.
Most people in the world are willing to acknowledge, in our minds, that every person is unique. With my sister Doris, this uniqueness was seen and experienced at a deeper level of my being, my very spirit. She began as a sister who had faults in the eyes of a younger brother. But she had the endurance and power to help this younger sibling learn and 'see the light'. She was a great sister. As we both matured I came to know her as a 'God-carrier'. When she infected someone, they became a little more acquainted with God. We had interesting talks on the phone, several times, in the months before her death. Her faith was great and deep and firmly anchored. She has gone home. She's glad and I'm glad. I shall be looking to see her smiling face and laughter in her mouth very soon now. She endeared herself to many. What a life!
What a beautiful person Aunt Doris was! Her sparkling personality, warm smiles, big hugs, deep faith, kindness, compassion, helpfulness, singing and piano playing are things we will always remember. Tom feels so lucky that he got to spend a few days on his Aunt Doris' and Uncle Herb's farm with 5 cousins when he was around 13 years old. It was very special and he cherishes those memories. Gwen remembers how every time we would visit with Tom's dad (Doris' brother Vic), his eyes would light up as he spoke of his sister Doris and it was so obvious how much he loved her. John remembers how very kind Aunt Doris was to him when he came to West Branch to speak at his Grandma Clara Guthrie's funeral. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time as we remember and celebrate our beautiful Aunt Doris.
Aunt Doris was a joy to be around. She presented an aura of kindness, humor, serious thought, warmth and confidence. I always felt completely at ease in her presence and thoroughly enjoyed any conversation we might strike upon.. As she grew older, she also reminded me in some ways of her mother, my grandmother. My love for her and our family seemed to stretch across generations. She will be missed but always remembered.
Aunt Doris was a foundational figure when I was growing up, and remained so throughout. My mother loved her dearly and would especially come alive when they were together. I think Mom and Doris may have lived together for a while during the war, when Luther and Herb were serving in Europe. Aunt Doris was capable of magical thinking at times--something I very much appreciate in others because I discover it so frequently in myself. Things happen for a reason, and the reason is good, loving and kind. My prayer is that Aunt Doris may now experience the very presence of center of her faith.