Doris Rae Brooks

   Doris Rae (Whitney) Brooks was born on July 1st, 1929. At the age of 94, she passed away in her home on December 8th, 2023, after a brief struggle with Alzheimer’s.

   Doris, affectionately known as Dee, was born to Elizabeth and Garold Whitney, the second of five children. After growing up on her family’s farm, Doris met World War II Navy Veteran Howard Brooks, and they enjoyed fifty-three years of marriage. Together, they had two children, Valerie and Steve. Over the years Howard and Doris spent time traveling around the US, almost always ending up in Montana visiting their extended family.

   Doris had a lifelong passion for music, best defined by her love for God and Conway Twitty. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, while also being a dear friend to many. Doris, known for her bedazzled red cane, had a great love for crafting, using her skills as a talented seamstress, in later years, to create quilts which have filled many homes. Her friends and loved ones received countless handmade greeting cards for various occasions as well as her annual Christmas letter. As a member of Charter Oak Church, Doris devoted herself to serving those in need and continued her mother’s legacy as a participant in the Elizabeth Whitney Circle and many Bible study groups. Dee could always be seen in her signature red clothing, dripping with jewels. She loved socializing, immensely enjoying time spent with family and friends, which continued throughout her last days.

   Alongside many friends and relatives, Doris is survived by her sisters Betty Sullivan and Jan Pettit, children Valerie Talvitie [Arnold] and Steve Brooks [Cindy], grandchildren Lisa, John [Jen] and Julie Talvitie, and Drew [Jessie] and Lucas [Emma] Brooks. She had nine great-grandchildren, Alexa, Zander, Jadyn, West, Jayce, Devyn, Gus, Lou and Willa.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Howard, and siblings Joyce Smith and Gary Whitney.

   Gramma Dee will be greatly missed, along with the love, excitement, and glitter she shared with us all. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 16th, 1:00pm, at Charter Oak Community Church, 12212 NE 299th St., Battle Ground, WA. Layne’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.