Doris Keck King, 72

On the afternoon of April 9, 2025, Doris Keck King, 72, gently slipped away from us due to complications from a brain hemorrhage. Doris left this life to join her husband Scott, five months and five days after his passing. 

Doris was born at Kalispell General Hospital on April 25, 1952, to Ethel and George Keck, joining eight older siblings. Doris attended Columbia Falls schools and had many fun times with her extended family in Columbia Falls. Doris and Scott were married on January 17, 1969, and son Jeff was born later that year and daughter Jeannie followed in 1971.

Doris was a loving wife and mother, friend, aunt, sister, daughter and cousin. Doris was loved by her King family, and she enjoyed being a "Gma" and great-grandma. 

Over the years, Doris worked at various jobs, but most notably she graduated in 1989 from Alamon Telecommunications in Kalispell as a telecommunications tech. Scott and Doris traveled around the states for many years installing telephone systems. In 2000, due to health issues, Doris retired from that industry and returned to a special love, crafting. For the next 15 years, Doris enjoyed working in craft stores and frequently used her employee discounts! Her many creative talents included making fresh and artificial flower arrangements and wreaths, funky recycled aluminum can yard ornaments, jewelry and other beaded crafts. 

Doris enjoyed camping, huckleberry picking and fishing, long drives in the woods and picnics. In the spring, she could always find an elusive morel or two, and in the fall, Scott and Doris would drive miles of muddy backroads "hunting" for shaggy manes. They often would bring home a cooler full of the mushrooms and an occasional grouse for supper. In 2022, after Scott’s retirement, the pair hit the road full-time, traveling with their cats, Cooper and Ozzy. Many sunsets, regional foods and exceptional sites were enjoyed over the following two years. Although their days of traveling were unfortunately cut short, the pair carried with them the memories of beautiful places, sunsets and beaches. 

Doris never considered herself a good cook, but she sure could make a delicious potato salad and could fry up the best chicken on a gas camp stove! Her clam dip was epic and always requested at potluck dinners. Just one of the many things that we will miss.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, George Irvin and Ethel; her siblings, George, Ethel "Sis," John, Helen and Gertrude "Gert." 

She is survived by son, Jeff (Misty) and their daughters, Kodi Carmichael (David) and Kacee Rimpley (Jacob) and son, Jacob King; daughter, Jeannie Stevens (Terry) and their daughters, Kilee Stevens, Kristin Krueger (Mike), Kendra Stevens, and LaChrisha Sandlin (Seth). Doris is also survived by her brothers, Bob Keck and Joe Keck and sister, Linda Bucher. Doris leaves behind many friends, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren as well as her "in-law" family. We will all miss her special kindness, helpfulness, sense of humor, enthusiasm for fun times and her laugh. 

Every pastel sunset or rolling wave that we enjoy on this side of forever, we will remember Doris and be assured that she is riding next to Scott and that they are heading onto their next adventure. She has earned each and every one of those miles. We will carry our memories and love close to our hearts until we meet again. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to WINGS Cancer Support or KittyMoms cat rescue are suggested. 

A celebration of life for both Doris and Scott is planned for 1 p.m. on July 12, at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 E. Second St., Whitefish. 

To send online condolences, please visit www.austinfh.com.