Doris Thomas, 98, of Springfield

Doris died Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Funeral services are 2:30 PM, Monday, April 22, 2024 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery. Visitation will be the hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Peters Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Doris E. (Guptill) Thomas was born in Ripley, CA on December 26, 1925. She was the third child born to Scott and Gertrude (Halsey) Guptill. She joined an older brother, Ralph, and a sister, Neva. The family had moved from South Dakota to California because other family members were there determined to start farming. However, the weather was so hot and miserable, and Gertie was so homesick that they moved back to South Dakota and settled on a farm near Springfield.

Doris attended Pleasant Ridge Elementary School for her elementary education and went on to Springfield High School, graduating in 1943. Doris was active in 4-H and in 1944 had the honor of christening the liberty ship the Cyril G. Hopkins and then attending National 4-H Club congress in Chicago, IL.

Doris attended the Normal School in Springfield and received a two-year teaching certificate.  She taught at rural schools around Springfield and Avon. She loved school and learning, taking classes every summer to keep her certificate and toward her 4-year degree. Eventually, Doris stopped teaching and became a full-time student. She obtained a BA in elementary education with a minor in library science, graduating in 1974. She taught in Springfield Elementary School until her retirement in 1979.

On June 8, 1947, Doris married the love of her life, Neil Thomas. They moved an old house onto the farm where Neil grew up. Neil farmed with his father, Sampson, while Doris set about making the old house a home. Together, Doris and Neil remodeled the old house. They were also active 4-H leaders. They had three children: Patricia (Patty), Raymond (Ray), and Mary. She was proud to have 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Doris and Neil were married 72 years before he died.

Doris was an excellent seamstress. She made many of her daughters' dresses. She made drapes for the living and dining rooms. She reupholstered couches and chairs. She was always ready to help friends, neighbors, and family with projects. She even made her sister in-law's wedding dress. In the years after retirement, she made many beautiful quilts. Also in retirement, Doris took up china painting. She belonged to the China Painters Guild in Yankton. This guild and five others completed serving pieces which they presented to Governor Mike and Linda Rounds in 2006.

Doris was active in the United Church of Christ (Congregational) in Springfield.  She was a member of the Women's Fellowship and Circle. Doris was also active in the Bon Homme County Extension club and a member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered at the Dakota Senior Meals program.

For several years Doris and Neil enjoyed being snowbirds in Texas. She always enjoyed meeting new people, learning new card and board games, and trying new crafts.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son Raymond (Trish) Thomas of Springfield; daughters Pat (Michael Macy) Beeman of Goldendale, WA and Mary (Arden) Boersma of Gibsonia, PA; 5 grandchildren: Dana (Edith) Thomas of Lynn Haven, Florida, Corey (Hahn) Thomas of Parker, CO, Debbie (Ryan) Pixton of Gibsonia, PA, Scott Boersma of Durango, CO, and Brian Thomas of Lincoln, NE; 6 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Eleanor Toyne of Tyndall, SD.

Doris died peacefully on April 15, 2024 in the Good Samaritan Home in Tyndall. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ralph Guptill; and sister Neva Thomas.