Doris Davis Sanders

Doris Davis Sanders, a cherished individual whose life journey began on August 29,
1930, in Valdosta, Georgia, concluded her earthly chapter on December 20, 2024, at
Wind Crest Senior Living in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Born to Emmett Eugene and
Josie Perle Haire, Doris’s life was a tapestry of experiences and relationships that
spanned across various states that started with her first husband James Clair Davis’s
career progression and continued through her second marriage and beyond. Her
residences included Jacksonville, Florida; Fountain Valley, California; Denver,
Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Sioux City, Iowa and Hayward, Wisconsin.

Doris, Jim and their daughters enjoyed boating, traveling, and spending time during the
Florida summers at a lake cottage in Keystone Heights. They enjoyed exploring the
areas around each location where they lived. Summers were a special time for Doris
and her second husband, Robert Sanders, as they retreated to their lake cottage in
Northern Wisconsin, creating memories that would last a lifetime. They also traveled to
New Zealand, Great Britain, New York, Hawaii, and took many road trips to spend time
with their children and grandchildren.

As a homemaker and mother, Doris’s life was rich with the love of her family, the many
friendships she developed over the years, travel with family and friends, and the joy of
simple pleasures like reading, needle work & quilting, and evening boat rides to watch
summer sunsets. She was an avid bridge player until her eyesight failed in recent
years.

Doris moved back to Denver in 2016 to be closer to family. She lived at Wind Crest for
her remaining years, where she made many new friends and led an active and fulfilling
life. People were drawn to her kindness, sincere heart, and brilliant sense of humor.
Doris was a lifelong learner. In St. Louis, she participated in a series of medical
classes for seniors at Washington University, and later participated in classes on a
variety of topics at Wind Crest. She was also committed to community service, as was
evident through her active participation in Hamilton Christian Church, various nonprofit
organizations, and PEO in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Doris’s legacy is carried on by her loving family: daughters Deborah Borman (Jan) and
Sandra Willoughby (Mark); stepchildren Robert Sanders (Lisa) and Nancy Bregman
(Marty); grandchildren Brian Willoughby (Cassi), Michael Willoughby, Jeff Bregman
(Sarah), Scott Bregman, and Nicholas Sanders; great-grandchildren Parker, Mayli,
Jaden, and Taya Willoughby. Other survivors include nieces, nephews and their
families. Her life was also marked by the loss of her parents, two brothers, Eugene
and Robert, sister Ruth, first husband James Davis, her second husband Robert
Sanders, and her son-in-law Ray Willoughby, who preceded her in death.

The impact of Doris’s life extends beyond her family, touching the lives of those within
her community and anyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her spirit,
characterized by her love and dedication to her family, friends, faith and community, will
continue to inspire and influence generations to come. Doris Davis Sanders will be
remembered not only for the life she lived but also for the countless ways she enriched
the lives of others. Her story is a reminder of the enduring power of love, family, and
community.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mill Vista Lodge and Bristol Hospice for the
compassionate care they provided during the final months of Doris’s life.
There will be a celebration of life in the Spring to honor Doris. A private family burial
will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Macular
Degeneration Foundation or the Colorado Center for the Blind