Doris Bernice Seney, 102

Doris "Dorie" Bernice Seney, 102, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 20, 2023, in Snohomish, Washington. She was born on July 24, 1921 to Joseph and Alma Vachal in Ross, North Dakota. She moved to Minot when she was seven years old.

She graduated from Minot High School in 1940 as a valedictorian. She met the love of her life, LaVern Seney, at a Grange dance and married him on November 18, 1941, in Kalispell, her future home. She found the piece of property she would call home for over 80 years on Lower Valley Road and bought it while LaVern was away during World War II.

The Seney home was the site of countless holidays and a favorite gathering place for family and friends. With a place to call home, she traveled to many parts of the world where she loved to people-watch, but no matter where she went she always said that Lower Valley was her favorite place.

She valued her faith, loved her family, and when possible lent a helping hand to those in need. She was a member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers, a member of the Mountain View Birthday Club since 1951, a volunteer 4-H leader, a member of the Retired Senior Volunteers, a member of the Sunshine Chorus, and at age 90 she was a regular volunteer with the Kelly Road and Kalispell Senior Center lunch programs.

When not volunteering, gardening, singing or traveling, she could be found painting or reading. A petite, but mighty matriarch, she shared her family traditions, her faith, her values and her love with her family and her community. We are all heartbroken to say goodbye to her body but know that her soul is home in heaven with her beloved husband.

She is survived by her daughters, Sherry Mason, Jo Ann (Ken) Fried, Kathi (Brett) Hoyt and Karen (Eyler) Adams. Her legacy includes 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern Seney; her brothers, Harold and Howard Vachal; son-in-law, John Mason; several great-grandchildren, and numerous family and friends.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 23, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers. A private family burial will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Eidsvold Lutheran Church or the Kalispell Senior Center.