Doris Jeannette Barclay was born to Mayo L and Esther Lee Buck on February 1, 1923 in Yakima, Washington. When she was four her mother, older sister Mary Margaret, and brother Mayo “Buck” Lee Jr. arrived in Ingomar, Montana to live with their grandmother. Her mother Esther taught school for a brief time before taking a job as a cook for John McKnight. When they married the children changed their name to McKnight.
Doris attended country school at Kester in 1929 when it was established and graduated from the 8th grade, she did not attend high school. At the tender age of 17 she married Alexander S. Barclay on August 31, 1940, fully embracing his Scottish Heritage. Together they had 5 children, 4 of them in a 5 year period from August 1941 through May 1945 which is something she was proud of. Her children were Alexander William “Sandy”, Judith Lee “Judi”, Doris Jean ”Jeannie”, and David Robert, and Sandra Joy ( who passed at birth 1959). Doris and Alex lived on numerous homesteads in the Haxby area and a very short time in Ronan, nursing Alex’s mother prior to her death in 1948. They bought Melvin Fitzgerald’s Poverty Flats on the Flat Creek east of Jordan in 1949. There they lived until shortly after Alex death in 1988.
During her life in the country, she helped on the ranch with the sheep, at first, and then they changed to cattle when the predators got too bad. She raised children, a garden, and chickens. She loved to ride horseback and dance. She and Alex carried the mail, all told, for 29 years; in the early days taking parts and groceries for those in need, right down to the much-needed Budweiser on occasion. Doris handed the route over to Sandy in 1991. She was also the clerk for the Flat Creek School for 31 years.
Doris enjoyed traveling with Alex, which they did a bit of when they sold the ranch to Sandy in 1986. They visited all the relatives, even traveling as far as Scotland. Doris had many interests. In her younger years wrangling and breaking colts even after her and Alex were married; she loved horses her whole life. She also enjoyed hunting. Sewing, crochet, quilting, taking pictures, growing beautiful flowers, collecting rocks, and cooking (Alex often telling her “Good Cookin’ Doris”) were lifetime interests. She often entered items in the fair as she loved a good competition. She had numerous dogs through the years; most notable were Bouncy and Freckles.
After moving into town Doris became involved in the senior center, serving on the board of the Council on Aging.
Doris was the last of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, including an infant brother born to John and Esther McKnight; and all of her immediate in-laws. Her husband, Alex, died in 1988. Also preceding her in death: her daughter Sandra Joy, at birth; eldest son Alexander William “Sandy” Barclay and his wife Leah Cole; daughter Judith Lee DeVries; and granddaughter Wanda Fogle
She is survived by her daughter Doris J “Jeannie” (Harold) Isaacs, their daughters, Jo Dee Watson, Jeana (Matt) Bliss, Jana (Flint) Hance. Her son David (Jane) Barclay, their children, Melanie (Mark) Theisen, Jarrod (Karri) Barclay, Shane (Becky) Barclay, Justin (Anna) Barclay, Melinda (Joe) Geroux, Melissa (Steven) Gould. Grandsons Bob (Candi) Beard, Edward (Jeanette) DeVries, Steven (Lacy) DeVries; and son-in-law Frank DeVries. Granddaughters Anita Pluhar, Sandra Barclay, Judy Kay (R.C.) Barr; former daughter-in-law Jean Barclay; and step grandsons, Quinn and Jed Jessen. She also leaves behind 45 great grandchildren and 40 great great grandchildren; as well as 9 nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and her special family from the Garfield County Health Center.
A visitation with family receiving friends will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Jordan, MT. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan, MT with interment to follow at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Garfield County Health Center or the Garfield County Fairgrounds Improvement Fund.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 18, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 18, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Doris’s Family Hopefully you can find comfort in all of your Memories and in Gods Love God Bless all of you
Linda Rogers says
What priceless memories she has left with her family, may Gods peace surround all of her loved ones.
God Bless
Karen Barnes says
Thoughts and prayers for all the Barclay family – may all your good memories bring you comfort at this time. God Bless All
Linda Estes (Stanton) says
Prayers for all of Doris’s family. Remember all the good times and the worker she was. She was so good to her mom when she was living with Mrs. Cameron. She will be missed by many.
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Francis Krikorian says
Sending prayers to all the family. I enjoyed many visits with her at my store. 99 years makes a lot of memories,cherish them.
Claudia Stanton says
Condolences to all of Doris’s Family. May the good memories of the life she lived get you through the present days.
God Be With You All.
Tom and Claudia
Carol McNutt says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all.of Doris’s family neighbors and friends the loss of such a wonderful lady will be felt by all.
Kim Smarsh says
JoDee–my sympathy to you and your family. What a remarkable life she led.
Roxie Saylor says
Condolences to all of Doris’s family.We always enjoyed the visits at your home.Cherish all of your great memories.Doris will be missed.