Obituary for Doris Blair
Doris L. Blair, 83, of Washington, IL passed away at home on Sunday, December 4, 2011. She was born in Peoria on June 16, 1928 to Arthur G. and Louise J. Selkirk. On October 3, 1948 she married Dale E. Riggins in Peoria. Dale passed away on May 17, 1964. In 1972 Doris met and fell in love with Darrell Blair, marrying Darrell on August 20, 1972. He survives. Other survivors include four sons, Dale (Laura) Riggins, Jr. of Summerfield, NC; Bill (Joan) Riggins of Peoria; Ron (Bev) Riggins of Washington; Michael (Michelle) Riggins of Sleepy Hollow, IL; 1 daughter, Marianne (Jeff) Rees of Washington; 1 stepdaughter Gail Blair of Wylie, TX; 1 stepson Larry Blair of Morton; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Doris’ humble beginnings were in the south end of Peoria graduating from Manual High School in 1945 where she was a Stephen Foster singer. To this day, the Manual Girls get-togethers were a real highlight in her life. She began her professional career at the Ray Defenbaugh Co. in Peoria. After marrying Dale, a family came along as well as building their new home on Ridge Road in Peoria, a development of the Riggins family farm. She and Dale later moved to Robein for a few years and then built a new home in Washington. Doris was her children’s biggest cheerleader. She was a room mother, den mother, costume maker, encourager and a challenger to strive a little harder each day. Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were roles that she cherished. At 35, with five children from 17 months to 14 years of age, she lost her husband Dale. Although short in stature, she was tall with courage, tenacity and love in providing everything her children needed. She returned to work a few years later at the Danforth Bank in Washington and then finished her career as Cashier at Illinois Central College, retiring in 1993. She enjoyed keeping in touch with the “girls from the fourth floor.” The family will receive friends on Friday, December 16
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from 5-7pm at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 11am at Crossroads United Methodist. Cremation has been accorded with a private family burial at Glendale Cemetery. Pastor Chuck Replogle from Community Bible Church and Pastor Tom Goodell from Crossroads United Methodist will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate in Peoria.
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from 5-7pm at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 11am at Crossroads United Methodist. Cremation has been accorded with a private family burial at Glendale Cemetery. Pastor Chuck Replogle from Community Bible Church and Pastor Tom Goodell from Crossroads United Methodist will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate in Peoria.
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