Doris Kilgore's Obituary
Doris May (Johnson) Kilgore, 89, of Tacoma, passed away peacefully May 23, 2014. Born September 15, 1924 in Tacoma, WA, Doris was a retired Boeing employee and the matriarch of a devoted family. She is survived by her sons Tom and Gary and her daughter Vickie, as well as five grandchildren, Alisa, Jerry, Thu, Oanh, and David, eleven great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. Our mother was preceded in death by her beloved husband Roy Kilgore. Mother attended Hawthorne Elementary and Lincoln High School. Early in her challenging life she worked at Brown and Haley Candy Co. in Tacoma, but the majority of her working years were spent as a loyal employee at Boeing Aircraft Co. in Renton, where she met many of her life-long friends. She remained at Boeing until her retirement at age 68. Our mother was a hardworking and fiercely independent woman who was admired by everyone for her inner strength, managerial skills, integrity, discipline, courage, and sense of purpose. She also possessed compassion and love for family and friends, and was an inspiration and greatly respected by all she came in contact with; she was often called upon for sound advice and guidance. Our mother was keenly aware of those in need, and throughout her life contributed to several humanitarian organizations. Her later years were spent mostly with family members and guests, who would often gather at her home to exchange the latest information and enjoy her culinary skills. She was especially close to her son Gary, who she came to rely on for care and assistance during the last several years.
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