Doris Gilmer Leach “went to be with the Lord” in the early morning hours of September 4, 2016, attended by her oldest son. Doris was born on March 26, 1920 in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, the second of seven children. Her family moved briefly to Florida before settling in Pontiac, Michigan, where she attended school, graduating from Pontiac High School and excelling in math which served her well during her career as a bookkeeper and accountant. She met Donald Leach when his father became the new pastor of Pontiac First Church of the Nazarene where Doris was a member. They married on January 1, 1942. Like all young adults at that time their plans were put on hold during WWII. Doris travelled throughout the United States to visit Donald at the various military bases before his overseas deployment. During these times she began to develop her skills in art, starting by painting watercolors of various places she lived or visited. In the course of her life she explored many different art forms including drawing, painting, fabric arts, stained glass, artistic stonework, and wood carving. Her home in Bigfork is filled with these works from several decades. Her years in Bigfork were also opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains that she so loved.
The church community was the core of Doris’ and Donald’s life together. They were active members of Pontiac First Church of the Nazarene, then Detroit First Church of the Nazarene. After retirement and moving to Bigfork, they were active members in the Community United Methodist Church. Doris used her background as a bookkeeper to manage the church’s financial contributions and annual giving statements for a number of years. She also served on a number of different church committees.
Doris was a devoted wife of 71 years to her husband, and was always a loving mother to her two sons. She loved to entertain in her home. For years, in both Michigan and Montana, she hosted a popular annual Christmas brunch for extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband Donald, parents B. T. and Jesse Gilmer, siblings Katherine Gilmer, Elizabeth St. Clair, James Gilmer, Susan Wilhite, and Frances Marshall. She is survived by her sister JoAnne Mills, and sons Collin and daughter-in-law Cheryl, and Kevin.
A memorial service will be held at the Community United Methodist Church of Bigfork at 3:00 p.m. on Friday September 9.