Doris Murphy Barger passed away peacefully on August 19, 2016 at the age of 93.She departed this world in the manner she lived her life - with strength, grace and dignity. She was a remarkable woman who lived a wonderful life.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by her two sons, Walter (Gretchen) and Stephen (Mary) her four grandchildren Kimberly Durand (Mike), Krissy Clark (Doug), Sarah Ranney (Mike) and Benjamin Barger; and four great-grandchildren.
Her beloved husband Richard preceded her in death. They met at age 9 as both families had summer cabins on the American River. Dick would rent Doris' horse and they fell in love ten years later while both were at Stanford University.
Doris was born in Placerville. She grew up on a cattle and sheep ranch in Calaveras County and attended the one room schoolhouse in Milton.
She graduated from Calaveras High School and attended College of the Pacific before transferring to Stanford.
Doris and Dick were married on Doris' 21st birthday while still students. After graduation they remained in Palo Alto, raising their two sons and beginning a life-long commitment to community service.
During their 58 year marriage they were a devoted, inseparable and gracious couple.
In Salem between 1958 and 1977, Doris demonstrated compassion for people in need. She chaired many organizations, including the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Salvation Army Building Fund Drive, the YWCA Expansion Fund Drive, and the Salem Technical Vocational College Committee.
She served on the Board of Salem General Hospital and was President of the Assistance League. Doris was also campaign manager for several successful candidates for the Oregon State Legislature.
Doris and Dick moved to Murphys in 1977 after Dick retired. They both devoted time, talent and passion to their community.
Doris was founding President of the Mark Twain Medical Center Foundation and supported California Youth Mentoring and Mind Matters Clinic in Murphys.
A breast cancer survivor, she gave the lead gift to bring digital mammography to Mark Twain Medical Center. The Doris Barger Golf Tournament, now in its ninth year, has raised funds for the Hospital Foundation and women's health.
Doris was honored with the Mark Twain Health Care District Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. She was a dynamic organizer and hands on volunteer and enjoyed her involvement with the Angels-Murphys Rotary.
Doris was an amazing role model for family and friends. She was an avid traveler, frequent entertainer and had a quick-witted humor. She always treated people with respect and in return was loved and respected by all who knew her. She had a big heart and got tremendous satisfaction from helping those less fortunate.
We will miss Doris' inspiring legacy but are consoled by the fact that she lived a long, immensely happy and productive life. Her love, spirit and energy will live on.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Mark Twain Hospital as well as her loyal caregivers for their wonderful support and care, especially her "shadow" Nicole Miller. We also want to thank Dr. Ryan Thompson for his loving care and Alison and Alan Dove for their devoted friendship.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday August 27, 2016 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in San Andreas.
A private family graveside service will be held at Buena Vista Cemetery in Murphys.
Contributions may be made in her name to Mark Twain Hospital Foundation, 768 Mountain Ranch Road in San Andreas, CA 95249 or to Mind Matters Clinic at 150 Big Trees Road in Murphys, CA 95247.
Angels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements
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