Tribute: Doris Amen

Doris (Jones) Amen passed away on October 6, 2012 in Carlsbad, Calif., at the age of 93. She was the daughter of Walter and Ethel (Piatt) Jones, born on February 3, 1919 on her Grandmother Jones' farm north of Dayton, Wash. She was the second of three girls raised by her parents on their wheat farm. She first attended a one-room school for six years, New Hope Grade School, and then studied at Dayton where she graduated from high school as valedictorian in 1936.

Doris attended Washington State College for parts of two years, supporting herself through secretarial jobs, tutoring and working summers for the Dayton Blue Mountain Canning Company. More importantly, Doris met her future life partner, Otto Amen. They married on September 17, 1939 at her parents’ rural farm home. Otto predeceased Doris on April 24, 2011 after more than 71 years of marriage. They first resided in Walla Walla, Wash. and then Spokane, Wash. where Otto worked as a pharmacist.

When Otto’s parents retired from farming, he and Doris took over that operation halfway between Ritzville and Odessa, Wash. Doris reveled in the role of farm wife, as the multi-talented household manager and bookkeeper. She especially enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing her own clothes, stitchery, quilting and flower arranging. Doris became active in the Trinity Methodist Church in Ritzville in various capacities, including Sunday School teacher, president and study leader of the Methodist Women, and as a member of several other committees. She also was a member, president and international delegate for the AR Chapter of PEO. She and Otto raised two sons, teaching responsibility and independence, but always interjecting fun: reading, camping, fishing, hobbies, water skiing, playing cards and board games, and music.

When Otto began a career of service in various farm organizations and the Washington State Legislature, Doris was a bulwark of support and encouragement. During 16 years in legislative sessions, Doris was a member and president of the Republican Wives Club.

Otto and Doris remained on the family farm on the Adams/Lincoln County line after their retirement, but spent winters in Hemet, Calif., where they formed many new friendships and worked on their golf games. They also enjoyed traveling in their motor home, visiting state and national parks, boating and visiting with friends. Doris spent many hours researching family genealogy. In 2004, they moved to the Rockwood Manor Retirement Community in Spokane, Wash. Doris moved to Carlsbad, Calif. after Otto’s death in 2011.

Survivors include two sons. Richard (Mary Lou) of Del Mar, Calif. and Don (Lucrecia) of The Villages, Fla .; one grandson, Jonathan (Mary Lagana) of Chicago and one great-grandson, Miles Otto.

A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Methodist Church of Ritzville Saturday, October 13, at 11 a.m.