Doris Schilling
Apr. 3, 1939 – Feb. 9,2024
It is with sadness beyond words that we announce the passing of our precious mom and grandma. Pauline Doris Isabella Alberta Walker (Doris) was born April 3, 1939 in Hanna, Alta. to loving parents Harry Stanford and Sarah Elizabeth (Bessie) Walker.
Doris was named after each of the nurses who helped to deliver her and was always thankful that there weren’t more nurses on duty that day as she felt that her name was plenty long enough.
She was born into an already bustling household, as she was the seventh of 13 children –six boys and seven girls.
Her family made their home in the Endiang, Alta. area with her mom teaching in the local school and her father running the family farm.
Doris’ brothers and sisters were her best friends (at least on their good days) in childhood, and those relationships would continue to flourish for decades to come.
Her strong work ethic and commitment to family were fostered during these years of caring for her younger siblings and helping out as needed in the home and on the farm.
In 1961, Doris married Roy Edward Schilling of the Halkirk, Alta. area and they went on to have three exceedingly great (as Doris would say) children who became the center of Doris’ world: Rocky Edward, Tani Lynn and Rhonda Joy.
Doris and Roy settled with their family on a farm north of Endiang. Those days weren’t always easy, but Doris had a way of making the best of any situation, making a dollar stretch beyond capacity, and making all who came into her home feel like they belonged.
After her children were grown and with children of their own, Doris moved from the farm into her home in Endiang. Though she was initially hesitant about the move, her new home in Endiang began a fresh and wonderfully social chapter of Doris’ life.
Her weeks were filled with floor curling, cards and activities of all kinds. Her coffee pot was always on, snacks were always on the table, and her door was always open to any of her siblings, nieces, nephews, neighbours and, of course, her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Who knew that such a little home could contain so much love, so many pictures of loved ones, so many card games and so many knick-knacks.
Aside from her family, Doris had several true loves in her life: country music, chuckwagon races and flowers of all kinds (as evidenced by her colourful yard each spring and summer).
Doris would always say that she wore her heart on her sleeve. In doing so, she gave all those around her permission to feel the wide range of emotions that life brings our way. It was Doris’ sincere empathy and love that made everyone feel at home in her presence. She profoundly touched all members of her community and family and will be sincerely missed.
This spring plant a flower in Doris’s name and always take time to smell the flowers. May you enjoy your first cup of coffee in the morning and please always take time to enjoy coffee… or tea… or whatever with family and friends.
Folks are encouraged to share their favourite memories of Doris with her family by sending stories or photos to memoriesofdoris2024@gmail.com.
Doris is survived by her children Rocky (Lisa) Schilling of Spruce View, Tani Boss of Red Deer, and Rhonda (Ewald) Steinwand of Innisfail; grandchildren Paige (Chase), Clay, Tyler, Andrew, Erica, Cortney, and Jared; and great-grandchildren Lucy, Olivia, and Oliver.
Doris also leaves five sisters: Jeanne (Mac) Sinclair, Joyce (Dick) Moore, Winnie Paulsen, Deanna Johnson and Lynda (Clifford) Wilkie and three brothers: Ken Walker, Dennis (Sally) Walker and Allen Walker (Connie Johnson); sister-in-law Joy Walker and, brother-in-law Rod Rarick (Iris Steinley); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and life long friends.
Doris was predeceased by her parents Harry and Bessie Walker; brothers Bob, Donnie and Buster; sister Judy Rarick and father of the children Roy Schilling.
A private family service was held. Memorial Donations may be made to the Endiang Cemetery Box 354 Endiang, Alberta T0J 1G0 or to the Endiang Community Hall c/o RR1 Endiang, Alberta T0J 1G0. Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium are entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please contact 403-742-3422. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
