Doris Lou Gast

Doris Lou (Boonstra) Gast passed away peacefully at Caretel Inns in St. Joseph at 10:00 am on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Her life began on October 8, 1931 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She and her brother, Rich grew up just outside of town, south of St. Joseph and attended the old 2-room Brown Elementary School, that did not yet at that time have modern conveniences such as, plumbing. Her family later moved "into town" before she began high school and where she was to meet her future husband, Warren. After graduation, both she and Warren enrolled at the University of Michigan, where they were married in 1953. She raised three sons, Warren Jr., Brian and Kevin. She and Warren enjoyed their retirement in the low country at Hilton Head, South Carolina where she built their home at Moss Creek, on the scenic salt marsh. She loved to share her South Carolina home with family members. Visits from her five grandchildren and 7 great-grand children were the joy of her life. In addition to her home in South Carolina, she enjoyed being able to help a large number of not-for-profits with charitable work. Her last charitable effort is to benefit Spectrum Health Lakeland/Caring Circle (4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085), to whom memorials can be made in lieu of flowers. A private family service will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Her passing was preceded by her parents, Nels and Dora (Van Loo) Boonstra; her husband, Warren and her son, Brian. She is survived by her brother, Richard Boonstra; sons, Warren (Karen) Gast and Kevin (Juli) Gast; nephews, Bill (Sarah) Boonstra and Scott (Lisa) Schalon; nieces, Jan (Al) Pavlinak and Sue Schalon; grandchildren, Matthew (Missy) Gast, Bethany (Andrew) Simmons, Christopher (Melissa) Gast, Sonny Gast and Erik Gast; great-grandchildren, Colin, Katelyn, Evan, Corrine, Nate, Madeleine and Carolyn and special friend, Deb (Pat) Hackett. The family thanks the employees of Caretel, Caring Circle, and special friend, Stephanie Burch for making the last 2 years of her life comfortable and joyful.