Doris S. Blakesley

Doris S. Blakesley, 88, formerly of Mason City, died Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday (March 14, 2007) at Grace United Methodist Church, 200 14th Street NW, with Rev. Steve Hansen officiating. Interment will be in Manly Cemetery, Manly, Iowa. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials may be given to Grace United Methodist Church. Doris S. Blakesley was born February 27, 1919 in Mason City to Clell D. and Ara (Rath) Squier. She grew up in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School. After graduation, she was employed by North Western Bell as a switchboard supervisor. Doris married Forrest Del (Raymond) Blakesley on October 21, 1945 at the Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church in Mason City. Doris and Ray owned and operated the G.I. Cab Line. Doris was a lifelong member of the Grace Evangelical United Brethren United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Ladies Society of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen. Doris was actively involved in church teaching Sunday School and held offices in the U.M.W. Doris was also a Girl Scout unit and troop leader while her daughters were growing up and served several years as president of the Grant School P.T.A. She spent many years as an Insurance secretary for Tola Blowers and Hoyt Carrier and retired as an invoice clerk from Midwest Wholesale in 1984. Later in life she made many friends by opening her home to students who were doing their internship at Mercy Hospital. In 2000, Doris relocated to Tucson, Arizona. Doris enjoyed singing, playing piano, reading, gardening, raising flowers, entertaining, and spending time with her grandchildren. She also appreciated the grace and delicate beauty of swans. She was proud to be a cousin and good friend of the late Meredith and Rini Willson. She also treasured her friendship with Rosemary Willson. Doris will be remembered for her kind heart, her sweet and gentle spirit, and how she cherished her family. Doris is survived by her daughters, Dodie Long and husband Terry of Tucson, Arizona, Dana Oswalt and husband Bjorn of Littleton, Colorado, Patricia Tibbits and husband Robbie of Osage, Iowa, Raedel Schrage and husband Dennis of Tucson, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchilren. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Inz, and brother Donald Dana. Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory (641)-423-0924 www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com

Visitation:
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at on March 13, 2007 (map/driving directions) 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM at on March 6, 2007 (map/driving directions)

Service:
10:30 AM at 200 14th Street NW on March 14, 2007 (map/driving directions)