Doris Kleppelid, age 92, quietly finished her race on the evening of August 13th, 2020, and went to be with Jesus and her beloved husband and parents that went before her. Doris was residing at the McCone County Health Center in Circle, Montana, since February of 2016.
Doris Katherine Murphy was born to James and Helen (Carr) Murphy in Circle, MT on July 10th, 1928. Doris was always very fond of her childhood nickname “Snooky “, compliments of her brother Pat. Doris adored her parents and her two younger brothers and so enjoyed spending time with them; she especially loved the Holidays over the years when all the families would gather together for the day with lots of laughter, great food and card playing!
Doris graduated from Circle High School in 1945 at the young age of 16. Doris embarked on her journey to become a Registered Nurse in the fall of 1945 when she attended her first year of college at Concordia in Moorhead, MN, followed by a year at Montana Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls, MT where she received her Nursing Diploma (Capping Ceremony) in January of 1947, and she finished up her last two years at her beloved Montana State College in Bozeman, MT where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in June of 1949.
After graduation, Doris got her first job as a Registered Nurse at the Glendive Hospital in Glendive, MT. In the fall of 1949 Doris went to work at the McCone County Hospital in Circle until it closed in August of 1990, when she officially hung up her “Nursing Cap” for good.
Throughout her long career at the Hospital, Doris wore many different hats; floor nurse, medication disbursement, anesthesiologist, lab technician, and delivering babies which was always her favorite.
In late 2012, Doris was honored for 20 years of volunteer service for “reviewing policy” for the McCone County Health Center.
On September 17th, 1949, Doris married the “love of her life”, Dony Kleppelid . They later adopted their two daughters, their pride and joy, Jeanne (1956) and Suzanne “Suzie” (1959).
Doris loved the Lord and was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Circle where she served and attended church services faithfully during her lifetime. Doris enjoyed her many years of activities and hobbies, including bowling league, bridge club, Jazzercise, golfing, playing the organ, playing cards, and camping & fishing. Doris was an avid supporter of the Circle School sporting and musical events and would attend whenever possible.
When Doris was at home, she was usually in the kitchen cooking or baking something good to eat. Doris loved it when people would stop-by unannounced for a visit; she would always offer a hot cup of coffee with some treats or a meal if you timed it right!
Doris especially enjoyed hosting and spending time with family and friends at their cabin of thirty years at Fort Peck Lake; many of the best times of her life were at the Cabin! The Cabin was very dear to Doris’ heart as it used to be her Aunt Dorothy Peterson’s home for many years in Fort Peck.
Doris was extremely proud of her daughters and never missed an opportunity to let others know; she had a special fondness for her son-in-law Jeffrey (Jeanne) Shipstead and in her later years would refer to him as her son. Grandma Doris had a deep-seeded love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she loved spending time with them and would attend as many of their activities as possible. Doris also adored her many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children.
Doris touched many people’s hearts with her kindness and she brought so much joy to our lives…she will be missed greatly!
Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, along with many other dear-to-her heart family and friends.
Doris is survived by her two brothers: Pat (Doris) Murphy and John (Betty) Murphy ; Daughters: Jeanne (Jeffrey) Shipstead and Suzanne (Suzie) Kleppelid; Grandsons: Brandon (Elizabeth) Beery, Trenton (Leah) Shipstead, and Connor Shipstead; Granddaughter: Jerusha Shipstead; Great Grandchildren: Reese, Kael & Maize Beery, Danica (Shipstead) Codden and Juliette Fleck; Great-great granddaughter; Lillian Codden.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Senior Citizen’s Center in Circle or to the Montana Rescue Mission of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday August 22, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 7, 2020
First Lutheran Church
1200 Avenue C
Circle, Montana 59215
Interment
Following the Service
Monday September 7, 2020
Riverview Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Circle , Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday August 22, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle, Montana 59215
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 7, 2020
First Lutheran Church
1200 Avenue C
Circle, Montana 59215
Interment
Following the Service
Monday September 7, 2020
Riverview Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Circle , Montana 59215
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Dianne Bales says
I am so going to miss “Sweet Pea.” What a special, special lady. She was very proud of her girls and having been a nurse for so many years. She always had a kind word and a laugh for everyone. You , Jeanne and Susie, were very blessed to have had her for your mother. Thank you for sharing her with me. Much love
JAMES ATKINOSN says
Susie and Jeanne, What a rough go to lose parents. No more questions can be asked or answered about the good ole days and life in general. Your mom was a special lady and asset to the whole town and surrounding area. Enjoy the love and memories.
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Doris. She was one of the best nurses we had ever known. God Bless her daughters and their families, and may she rest in peace among the angels!
Sheila (Atkinson) Schwartz says
So many great memories of being neighbors the girls coming to the house to visit us kids while Doris and Mom had coffee. Doris was a great nurse and friend. Jeanne and Susie you were blessed and we know you’ll treasure the memories for years to come. Our condolences to your families. Arden and Sheila Schwartz.
SuEllen Shotgunn says
Jeanne & Susie, please accept the Shotgunn families most sincere condolences. Was our privilege to have had the opportunity to meet your mother.
Tracy Bolton says
Suzie and I have been good friends for years. I feel blessed she shared her family with me.i will always treasure my memories of Doris.She was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. Jeanie and Suzanne my condolences to you. Thank you for sharing your mother.
Yellowstone Chapter No. 5 OES says
The Officers and Members of Yellowstone Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star extend our sympathy on your loss.
Marge moore says
So very sorry for your loss. Doris was such a nice person and always smiling. I know she is in heaven with all the angels.
Jim & Mae Rittal says
So sorry for your loss. I remember working with Doris as a new nurse. She was such a good nurse and kind mentor.
Bill and Claire McLouth says
Please accept Bill’s and my condolences. Doris was such a special person.
Vonnie Wagner says
Doris was a wonderful lady I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom it is never easy no matter how old you are thinking of you
Violet (keeler) Schiffer says
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Doris was a great lady and nurse. I remember when I borrowed one of her uniforms & cap to wear in our senior class play in Circle. I felt very proud wearing them. Always remember the good times. My prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Vi
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Thoughts and prayers to Doris’ family. She was a wonderful lady and nurse. From the Dale & Ruth Bond family
Chuck and Betty Kleppelid says
Jeanne, Suzie and families, we’re so sorry for the loss of your mother. Doris was a wonderful person, always a smile on her face.
Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. She was truly a gem and certainly will be missed but has left a wonderful legacy.
Ross and Laura Bleazard says
Jeanne, Suzie and families, Pat and John and families,
What a special lady and what wonderful memories you all have! She was a beautiful example to all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Robin Wolff says
Jeanne, Suzanne and families, and Murphy families, we are so sorry to hear that Doris passed away. Rodd’s Mom thought so highly of Doris and always enjoyed her company as we did, too. Our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of loss.
Robin and Rodd