If the live stream feed goes out, the full video of the service will be uploaded at a later date.
Doris Elaine Winslow, 93, went to be with her heavenly father on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Doris was born to Charles and Kirtyle (Mann) Woodruff on October 19, 1929, in Ismay, Montana, the youngest of five children: Charles, Ralph, Audrey, and Ronald.
She grew up in the Knowlton community, which was a great source of pride for her.
She attended grade school at the Knowlton School, traveling to and from school by horse.
She attended High School in Miles City, graduating in May 1947. She worked for her room and board to attend high school.
On May 28, 1947, she married William J. Sanderson in Miles City, Montana. To this union,
four children were born, William J. Jr. (Bill), James (Jim), Susan, and Nancy. Her happiest time was when she was raising her children.
Doris held many bookkeeping and accounting positions when the children were young. In 1968, she began working for the Custer County Unified School District as the District Clerk of Schools of Custer County. Her husband Bill passed away on October 15, 1969. She continued to raise her four children as a single mother.
Doris had the heart and soul of a country kid, while having the mind of a CEO. As District Clerk,
she was instrumental in computerizing the budget and accounting system for the school district at a time when the only computer in Miles City occupied the third floor of the accounting firm Rowland, Thomas and Company.
She became President of the Montana Association of School Board Officials (MASBO) for a two-year term in 1982-1983. She was proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed serving this organization.
In April 1981, she married Donald L. Winslow in Miles City. To this marriage, she gained four stepchildren, Donna (James) Jones, Sarah (Roman) Mueller, Mary (Clark) Kosty, and Dan (Emily) Winslow. Don and Doris enjoyed traveling, golf, playing Cribbage and raising dachshund puppies.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School when her children were young, and served on the finance committee for many years. She was also a member of the philanthropic organization, P.E.O. Chapter K, and enjoyed serving this sisterhood.
Doris retired as District Clerk in 1992, after serving for over 20 years. After retirement, Don and Doris formed Inter-Marketing Inc., a Deferred Payment Contract Business for livestock and grain. She was extremely proud of this business and continued working at this full-time until Don’s death in October 2011.
Doris was a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who enjoyed spending time with her family in Montana and beyond. She especially loved all animals, and her dachshund puppies. She will be gravely missed by her family and many friends. She blessed all who knew her with her love, kindness, and determination.
She is survived by her four children William J. (Cheryl) Sanderson of Lakeside, Montana, Jim
(Susie) Sanderson of Hillsboro, Oregon, Susan K. Sanderson of Miles City, Montana, and Nancy (Doug) Iversen of Billings, Montana, several nieces and nephews, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren and three “adopted” grandchildren, Marlee, Evan and Owen O’Toole of Billings, Montana.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Kirtlye Woodruff; her two husbands Bill
Sanderson and Don Winslow; four siblings, Charles Woodruff, Ralph Woodruff, Audrey
Zuroff, and Ronald Woodruff; daughter in law, Kimberly Sanderson; three brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; three nieces and three nephews.
Family will Receive Friends on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
The family would like to thank Doris’ caregivers Diana Steig, Barbie Kuntz, Christa Alexander, D’Ann Witcher, Vicky Draper, Lauren Kutt, Sage Beeler, and Elysia Beeler for their dedication, love, and humor. Their presence and dedication allowed Doris to live in her home until the time of her death.
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting their website www.stevensonfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church, 24 North 11th Street in Miles City, Montana or to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 26, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 27, 2023
First United Methodist Church
24 N 11th St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Friday October 27, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 26, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 27, 2023
First United Methodist Church
24 N 11th St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Friday October 27, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Gloria Tucker says
Susan and all of Doris’s family my heart aches for you all. Your mother was such a lovely and she will be missed by many. You will have many memories of the exciting times you had at your uncles place in Livingston. RIP my dear friend!🙏🙏
Michelle Carda says
My heart is with you as you grieve the loss of your mom. I am here for you, Susan, always. Praying for all your family.
Phyllis Stevens says
Nancy, Susan and Jim, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom! I remember her so well–we were neighbors with you guys for a lot of my childhood and I am just keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficultl time!
James Arneson says
Susan, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your mom. I enjoyed year working with her at the school district. What a Lady and strong business Woman. I enjoyed visiting with her one time at the Miles City Veterinary office about her brother who ranched at Knowlton. I never knew they were related, I knew him from a young kid working on my uncle’s ranch next door by the Knowlton school . I send my deepest condolences to you and your family, may God bless you all with the best of memories now and always.
Colette Butcher says
Susan,
I am so sorry to hear your Mother has passed away. You will continue to be in my thoughts. Your Mother was a very special lady. Cherish all your memories.
Darryl and Linda Moore says
Susan and families.
Sorry to see your mom has passed. Take care.
Kurt and Nancy Stolzenburg says
Nancy, Susan and Jim;
Sorry to hear or Aunt Doris’ passing, we love her very much. Sending all of our love to you!! She was a very special person. Take Care.
Sarah Winslow Mueller says
Sending thoughts and prayers your way as you cope with the loss of your mother.
Muriel Selk says
So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. We got to be real good friends when we served on boards at the Methodist Church. We also audited the Church’s books together for many years. A real classy lady. My prayers for all of you.
Mary Kosty says
A most remarkable woman. I was blessed to have her in my life for as long as I did and I have wonderful memories that will last forever.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Susan, Loved your mom! She was a classy lady. My sympathy.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles
Ginger & Joe Kiel says
Susan and family… so very sorry for your loss … hugs and prayers
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Gloria Zuroff says
Doris will always be my Favorite Aunt and I will miss her. Hugs to my cousins. She really was a fun lady, always ready for a ‘highball’ with my dad, having us in Miles City for Thanksgiving, making sure that us cousins stayed in touch, and spending time with me recuperating when she had knee surgery. During her recuperation, she would have to walk circles around my home to exercise post surgery and had a certain number of hot tamale candy in her bathrobe pocket, eat one hot tamale for each required loop around my house. One night I found some uneaten hot tamales in her bathrobe indicating she did not complete all her loops. We laughed and laughed and laughed
Cindy Berg says
Susan,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Hugs and prayers to you and your family now and in the days ahead. God bless.
Cindy and Dale
Pam Rogge says
Sending thoughts and prayers to Doris’ family now and in the days ahead. May treasured memories comfort you – I know I have many from our days at the school district admin. office, now 40+ years ago! She hosted my baby shower for Erin!
Take care,
Pam
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Nancy, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Altenhofen says
God bless Susan -thinking of my good friend Susan and praying for her.
Jim A
Eileen Entzel says
Susan and family
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Susan and family so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady.
Betty Ganser says
Susan and family So sorry to hear o your Mom passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care Susan. Betty Ann Ganser
LaVerne "Trink" Jones Hebner says
When I was a little kid and my mom and dad made a trip to Knowlton, Doris would entertain me (she was 6 yrs. older) and we had so much fun many times. Then thru the years we only saw each other at special family or Knowlton Community events but she was always glad to see me again as I was to see her. She will always have a special spot in my memories and I plan to see her again one of these days. My sympathy to all of her family. I love the photo of Doris and Audrey.
Marc and Denise Hartse says
We were extremely sorry to hear this news. Our condolences to the family.
Patsy Davis says
Susan and family,
Thinking of all of you with sincere sympathy in the loss of your sweet Mom. Always loved our conversations about Knowlton, and all the memories, and that she always called me Leona!
Deb & Jeff Shaw says
Susan and family,
So sorry for the loss of your mom. Our prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
Alane Stabler says
Susan and family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Armstrong says
Hugs to you Susan, So sorry for your loss Remember the good times
Steven & Lavonne MacDonald says
So sorry for your loss Susan . Hugs and prayers. May God bless and comfort you.
Melody Rhoads Cooper says
Nancy, Susan and Jim I’m sorry for your loss I remember your mom when you lived across the alley from us.
Mike Duncan says
So very sorry for your loss
Denise Harvey says
What a bright and elegant lady! My thoughts are with you all as you celebrate this beautiful life!
Denise Harvey
Garth and Jana says
Nancy, Susan, Bill and Jim,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Doris was a very special lady and will be missed. May Jesus put His arms around you and may you be overwhelmed with grear memories. Love Garth and Jana
Fred Anderson says
Jim, Bill, Susan and Nancy,
It is with extreme sadness that we heard of Doris’ passing. She and I worked closely at the school district. At that time the Auto technology program was located in the old Milwaukee depot. I was a relatively new teacher in the district. Doris was the clerk of the Board and the administrative assistant to the Superintendent. Back in those days O.P.I. demanded a copy of every invoice and proof of purchase for their annual report. I can recall Doris and I coping reams of copies to send the O.P.I annually. She was a great role model and became a life time friend.
Josephine Meidinger says
Susan, Nancy, Bill, and Jim
Enjoyed my visits with your Mother over the years when she came to my shop. She talked about each one off you. She was very proud of her family. Doris was a very kind person. Hugs and prayers
Shirley Lund says
Doris was an integral member of the district office & the “go to” person, always accommodating & friendly. Respected. May your memories bring peace & comfort. Shirley
Chuck and Diane Huggett says
Jim, Nancy, Susan and Bill,
We will always remember Doris as a kind and gracious host. She always greeted us and made us feel welcome in her home, offering hospitality and good company. Chuck and l also visited with Doris during some of her trips to Hawaii and will always have fond memories of our times together.
We are so sorry for you loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Viall says
Hello Sanderson cousins,
You are certainly on my heart. Losing a parent leaves an unusual vacant space in our heart, no words to adequately explain it. I will keep you in my prayers!! God bless.
Bev Harris says
Suz, Nancy, Bill & Jim
I enjoyed every picture on your memorial video because I have known you all for so many years. Keep your mother in your hearts, she will always be with you.