Doris E. Walton

Doris E. Walton, 88, of Berrien Springs, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Spectrum Health Lakeland – St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 12 PM at Heritage Chapel, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI, with Reverend Brenda Gordan and Pastor Dawn Oldenburg officiating. A private burial will take place at a later time at Rosehill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 5400 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI, 49085, or Hinchman United Methodist Church, 8154 Church St., Berrien Springs, MI, 49103. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com. Doris was born on November 14, 1930, in Benton Harbor, to Marrs & Martha (Stapp) Neidlinger. She attended Albion College where she studied music and earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching. Doris had a passion for teaching. After she returned home from college, she taught at Berrien Springs Elementary as a kindergarten and fourth grade teacher for 15 years. She also was a member of the school board and the Clerk for the township for eight years. Doris was a proud parishioner of Hinchman United Methodist Church. Doris is survived by her daughters, Tamara Bucha Walton of Berrien Springs and Jamie (Donald) Neidlinger of Grand Haven, MI; son-in-law, Edwin (Jean) Bowser of Rockford, MI; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and sisters, Audrey Damminga & Fae (Dale) Ewalt, both of Grand Rapids. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Susan Bowser; first husband, Thomas Bucha; second husband, James Walton; third husband, Lad Stacey; grandson, Brett Bowser; and, brother-in-law, George Damminga.