Doris St. Clair

An energetic, generous and compassionate woman, Doris St. Clair devoted her life to serving others. She accomplished so many things of which to be proud, but her greatest source of pride and joy was found in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a fantastic cook and baker and relished hosting many special family parties over the years. She loved to gather at the lake and will forever be known for turning every occasion into a celebration complete with decorations including her famous homemade ice cream on the 4th of July! Although she will be deeply missed, Doris leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories that her loved ones will cherish forever.

Looking back on the 1930s, it is difficult to recall much of anything that wasn’t affected by the Great Depression. There were few jobs and a soaring unemployment rate that left countless American families without homes. Despite these tough times, Edward and Olea (Deck) Overmyer celebrated with great joy the arrival of their second child, a newborn baby girl, Doris born on April 7, 1930 in the quaint town of South Bend, Indiana. Doris' father was a farmer and her mother was a homemaker. Doris brought much happiness and promise to the family home.

Growing up in South Bend, Doris attended local schools and graduated with an honors award for Home Economics from Riley High School in 1948. She was known to be a shy young woman. Not to be forgotten however, was Doris’ relationship with the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Charlie and was a neighbor just one grade ahead of her in school. Dating off and on during their school years together, they were happily joined in marriage on September 18, 1949 at Southlawn Church in South Bend. They honeymooned at a local lake before settling down and building their loving family of seven children. Charlie worked as a tool and die maker for several years before partnering with his brother to form St. Clair Design Service in Kalamazoo which they owned together for nearly thirty years. During these years, Doris remained very active in her children’s interests and spent her time cooking and canning and perfecting her holiday cookies and cakes. Later in 1974, they moved from Kalamazoo to Brandywine Lake in Gobles. Doris wasn’t confident in her swimming skills, but loved to take pontoon and paddle boat rides. For roughly fifteen years she worked for JC Penny’s which melded well with her love of shopping! She loved a good deal and enjoyed accessorizing all of her outfits. Right up to the end, she will be remembered for her way of coordinating her jewelry, purse and shoes to match!

Doris was always on the go. She and Charlie both enjoyed taking road trips during their precious years together. They simply packed the car with breakfast and lunches in a cooler and let the day unfold into wherever they landed. Often the two of them would stop at national parks to walk or to allow Charlie time to explore his favorite pastime of photography. She and Charlie also played on various bowling and golf leagues over the years. Doris enjoyed years of watching basketball, as well as the tradition of the Indy 500 which she always turned into a party, of course! When they weren’t traveling, tending to their garden, taking in a local Civic production or at one of their season ticket K-Wings hockey games, Doris sewed or quilted. Extraordinary to note, she successfully completed more than 700 quilts during her lifetime.

Doris was also very active within her community. Much of her time was spent volunteering at soup suppers at church or donating a quilt or two for special charitable events. Doris enjoyed playing the piano and had a gift for playing by ear. She also loved to play Bridge, Dominoes and Bingo. Described as kind, faithful, and patient, Doris was a true delight to know and love. She kept everyone in line and was very organized, yet everything with her was filled with fun, including chores! Dearly loved, Doris’ warm spirit will never be forgotten.

Doris M. St. Clair of Kalamazoo, died July 17, 2016, at the age of 86, at Friendship Village, Kalamazoo. Doris was born April 7, 1930, in South Bend, IN, the daughter of Edward and Olea (Deck) Overmyer. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Charles St. Clair in 1994; by a brother and his wife, Richard (Betty) Overmyer; and a sister-in-law, Kay St. Clair. Surviving are 7 children: Sharon (Doug) Finton, Nancy (Ed) Harvey, Vicki (Roger) West, Marcia (Bill) Gregor, Mike (Deb) St. Clair, Chris (Rheo) Gomber and John (Tonda) St. Clair; grandchildren: Matthew (Trina) Finton, Carley (Neil) Stuut, Scott Weststrate, Karen (Vince) Smith, Mike West, Emily West, LeeAnn (Bill) Baxtresser, Mark (Tara) St. Clair, Jill St. Clair and Matthew St. Clair; many great-grandchildren; sister, Martha (Glen) Roberts; brother-in-law, George St. Clair; sister-in-law, Jeannette (George) Burke and many nieces and nephews. Visit with family and friends on Thursday from 7-9pm at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (269-375-2900) where services will be held Friday 10am. A luncheon will follow the services in the Life Story Center. Burial will take place later that afternoon at Kendall Cemetery. Please visit Doris’ personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Friendship Village or charity of one’s choice.