Doris Elaine (Clark) Dierckins, 78, of Salem, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, January 26, 2017. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.
Doris was born on May 22, 1938 in Ontario, Oregon to the late Floyd Joseph and Mary Luella Warren Clark. She grew up in Sprague, Washington. Following her marriage to Richard Dean Dierckins on June 29, 1957, they moved to Spokane, Washington where they lived for 50 years. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, Doris was an elementary school teacher for 27 years. Upon retiring in 1995, she moved with her husband to Blacksburg and subsequently Salem, Virginia. Doris was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and showed her love for her Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ, by helping others and serving in many positions in the Church. In 2005, Doris and Richard served an eighteen month mission in New Jersey teaching young adults. They volunteered at the Roanoke Stake Family History Center for many years helping others to research and find joy in tracing their ancestors. Researching their own genealogy was something that they loved to do. Both Doris and Richard also volunteered for a number of years at East Salem Elementary School.
Doris is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Richard Dierckins; daughter, Debra V. Stanley and husband, Kenneth H. Stanley, Jr. of Salem; granddaughter, Sarah E. Stanley and husband, Joseph J. Novak of Blacksburg; brother, Ronald F. Clark of Ogden, Utah; and three grandchildren, Megan, Colin, and Kipp Dierckins of Washington State. Along with her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her son, David R. Dierckins; and sister, Idabelle Clark Rierson.
A private family graveside service will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park. A memorial service celebrating Doris’s life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6311 Wayburn Drive, Salem, Virginia, 24153 with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to The Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This fund assists those of all faiths and all people who are in need worldwide. Donations should be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and mailed to Bishop Joe Havens at 3866 Harborwood Road, Salem, Virginia, 24153.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.