Doris Kay Meidinger left this earth to be with her son in Heaven on December 27, 2021, at her home in Terry, Montana. She was born to Harold and Ilene Meidinger of Terry on August 4, 1956, and was soon joined by her twin sister, Dora Fay. Doris grew up with her six siblings Charlene, Preston, Roland, Iva, Dora, and Linda, on the family’s farm near Terry. She attended grade school in Terry and Miles City and graduated from high school at Glendive in 1976.
The agricultural lifestyle suited Doris, who learned to drive not in a car, but in farm vehicles. Doris would recall working hard raising sheep, cattle, and irrigated pinto beans, corn, and beet crops. Doris also had a few tales about getting into mischief or getting out of work, usually credited to her sisters. Selfless and big-hearted, Doris had a competitive side and enjoyed conversation. She got satisfaction from teasing opponents in her good-natured way in bowling (succeeding in more than one perfect 300-point game), softball, pool, and foosball. Doris played outfield in softball with her Meidinger sisters and was a formidable fielder and a home-run hitter. She was proud of the medals and trophies she and her Glendive Special Olympics teammates earned at the State Special Olympics, and in softball leagues and tournaments. She was a member of the Terry Order of Rainbow for Girls and a current member of the Bethlehem Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of Forsyth. In 1983, Doris moved home from working at cafes in Miles City and Glendive and the MC Veterinary Clinic, to help on the farm. She became Ilene’s caregiver in 1984 while she recovered from meningitis. After Ilene’s passing in November of ‘84, Doris helped her dad prepare for his farm auction, then worked for Steve Tibbetts Ranch, Roy Rogers Bar, and L & M Cafe. She then worked at the Speedway Diner and Big Sky Bar in Forsyth, returning to Miles City in ‘93 to work at Custer’s Inn Motel.
Doris’s son and best friend, Harold Ernest Meidinger, was born on August 29, 1994. Doris became a stay-at-home mother and volunteered at the Miles City Head Start Program and Highland Park Elementary School where Harold attended school. As Harold grew older, she worked at the Guest House Motel and Miles City Laundromat. They moved to Terry in 2005 where they were closer to family, helped maintain the Terry Laundromat and Car Wash, and worked at Big Fun for Little Ones Daycare up until her passing. She and Harold enjoyed time with family, their pets, visiting with friends, family holidays, and going to baseball games. Doris especially cherished hunting and fishing trips with her son. She would never be prouder than when Harold graduated from high school in 2012. Harold Ernest passed away on February 16, 2013.
Loved ones gone before her are her son, Harold Ernest Meidinger; parents Harold and Ilene; brother Roland; stepsisters Kathy Nunn and Debbie Turner; and good friend Brigitte Harms. Doris’s Heavenly reunion with Harold brings peace to her surviving family: stepmom Edna Meidinger of Miles City; sisters Linda (Fred) Finke of Big Sandy, Dora Meidinger Huckins of Broadus, Iva (Gary) Kirkpatrick of Terry, Charlene Meidinger of Clyde Park, Sandy Meidinger of Miles City; brother Preston Meidinger of Big Sandy; aunt Dorothy Meidinger of Glendive; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends – Lee Clark, Kim Jason Haas, Kora Payne, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Randi Kirkpatrick, Michelle Tothill, Clayton Hendrickson, DJ Meidinger, Shanna Talcott, Lyle Huckins, Grace Finke, Cassandra Meidinger, Steve & Sue Tibbetts and family, Mia Mintz, Nichole & Joel Jackson and family and Harms family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Terry Presbyterian Church at 2:00PM. A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to Doris Meidinger Memorial, PO Box 512, Terry, MT 59349.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
To Doris’s family, Our deepest sympathy at your loss. Doris will finally get some answers after eight long years, our hearts have hurt for her and wished she had closure. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
RIP my friend.
Cindy says
My sweet Doris I’ll miss our chats.. you will be missed! Love you !
Ginger Ridenour Bird says
Dora and family—Hugs and hopes of swift peace and comfort during this sad time. I met Doris once when you were my teacher a ‘few’ years ago. Much love…
Arlen and Alice Miller says
To Doris”s family .So sorry to hear of the loss ,You are in our thoughts and prayers
Michele Mickolio says
With deep sympathy I wish the family peace in knowing she is in heaven now. She will live in your memories forever. I met her years ago, She was a sweet and caring lady. She will be missed.
Kerri Strasheim says
So sorry to hear about Doris. She had a great, friendly smile (and was very nice to my teenager self). I will treasure my memories. My sincere condolences to you all.
Jim Lindstrom says
Dora and All,
I was saddened to hear of Doris’s passing. Hold your memories and family close.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss of your sister and aunt Doris.
I know she has truely missed having her son in her life and
never quite had closure in that happening, not knowing what had
actually happened. I pray they are now reunited and she will now
be at rest. God Bless. Your all in our thoughts and prayers.
judi cramer says
so sorry to you and your family. doris will be missed. what a smile.
Janice Laib says
Doris Family, When someone you love becomes a memory the memory becomes a treasure Doris was a great lady she will be missed.My prayers are for you R.I.P Doris.
Tim and Diane Ehman says
Our sympathy to the Meidinger family. May she rest in peace and be with her son again.
Nan says
So sorry to hear of Doris passing. Such a sweet lady. We got to know her when she worked at the BNL cafe in Forsyth. My mother and father in law adored her. My husband and I pray she is now at peace with her son and the heart ache is over
Larry and Nan Quinlan
Jane Huber says
My sincere condolences Meidinger Family. So sorry to read about Doris passing. I believe Doris is in Heaven with her son! God’s Blessings!
Janet Loomis says
So very sorry for your loss. May God be with you .
Cranford Family says
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the Meidinger family. What a great reunion it must have been with Doris, Harold, her parents, and other family members that have passed. The Cranford Family
Delphine Coon says
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of the Meidinger family.
Don and Dorcas says
We were so sad to hear of Doris’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to all. Remember Doris every time I look at my rock garden she helped me build and all the other things she helped me with. I will miss her visits at the post office. She was never to busy to say Hi.
Rebecca says
I did not know Doris but I do know what it is like to loose a sister. My prayers are for you, Dora and the family, for strength and closure. This is only by the love of God to whom you believe.
Maria B.Ramirez says
Meidinger Family, my most sincere condolences. May God give you peace and resignation. I know Doris will be greatly missed by all her family and friends, especially by her twin sister, Dora. Peace to you all.
Love,
Maria Barrientos Ramirez
Melody Haynes says
Sincere Sympathy to Doris’s famiky & friends. God bless you all!