Doris Elaine Tuffts

Doris Elaine Tuffts was born on March, 2nd, 1935 to Delbert and Arlie Root. Doris was the eldest sister to Brenda Lee and Judy Mae. Doris was born in a family home on Dresden St. in Kalkaska. She grew up on a small farm on the South end of Walnut St. And later after she was married, she resided her last 55 years on Cherry St. Doris graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1953 and was married to her sweetheart James (Jim) Colburn Tuffts on May 15, 1954, and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Doris grew up helping on the family farm, and working with her dad on the milk truck. She worked for Michigan Bell out of high school as a long distance operator in Ann Arbor. Instead of going to Germany to visit Jim, Doris saved for the down payment on their first home while he served abroad during WWII. Doris also worked for the selective service in Kalkaska County in the 1970’s. Doris welcomed their first child Victoria Lynn on May 21, 1957, then their second daughter Susan Kay on June 13th, 1959. Exactly four years later, Doris brought Joseph Lee into the world on June 13th 1963. Doris was a homemaker while raising her young children from 1957-1970. She then went to work for the I.R.S. and retired 26 years later. Doris loved nothing more than to be with her family. She was always there for her family’s sporting events, dance recitals, band concerts, you name it. She was an active member of the People’s Church where she sang in the choir with her sister Judy. Doris loved her hobbies as well, including ceramics, painting glass, gardening and in the last 3 years learning “Bob Ross” techniques in canvas painting. Doris was a very active member of the Kalkaska community, often serving in the church as a Sunday school teacher and providing meals for funeral dinners. She was a Girl Scout leader for her daughters, 4-H leader in ceramics to her granddaughters, and an active member for many years in Academia Club and the Red Hats. Doris always had time for her family and friends, no matter what she was doing she would stop and pull out a chair and visit. She will be remembered for her wonderful hugs, for her amazing apple pie, her passion for Nascar and her love for the arts. Doris had a passion for her savior Jesus Christ and wanted nothing more than her family to know His love. She is preceded in death by her parents, both sisters, Brenda Lee, Judy and Russ Titus (brother in law), as well as her granddaughter Korena England. Doris is survived by her husband Jim Tuffts, her children Vickie (Mark) Harden, Sue (Tim) Dorman, and Joseph (Elane) Tuffts. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Algier, Thomas (Oana) Miller, Timberlie (Trent) Yanz, Hollie (Scott) Bittenbender, Brenda (Chris) Henriet, Jimmy Tuffts, Monique (James) Bonomo, Lynie Mateo, Irene (Brent) Rogers, and Christopher Fast. She also had 18 great grandchildren who loved her very much. Doris had many friends, too many to mention, but loved them extraordinarily. She was welcomed home to heaven on Tuesday, June 6th, 2017 at 82 years of age. Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Kalkaska Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 12:00pm, with a final visitation beginning at 11:00am at the Kalkaska Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Doris Elaine Tuffts

March 3, 1935 - June 6, 2017