Doris Irene Roy Obituary (1928 - 2026)

Always a lively spirit throughout her life in Yakima, Doris (Russell) Roy passed on January 12, 2026, after a full life of 97 years. Doris Irene Russell was born in Yakima on November 8, 1928, to Robert Lee and Blanche (Blondin) Russell. She spent her youth on the family’s 40-acre ranch, established in 1910 by her grandparents (Charles and Mary Russell) in the empty sagebrush along Tieton Drive in Yakima’s West Valley. She attended Wide Hollow Elementary School and enjoyed childhood adventure, always close to her big brother Jim. During her senior year at Highland High School in 1946, Doris met the love of her life, Richard Francis Roy, who was on leave from the Navy. They were engaged that Christmas and married the following November at St. Joseph’s Church in Yakima, following Doris’s graduation and Richard’s discharge from military service. The young couple built a small house on the Russell ranch property and wasted no time starting a family. Tommy was born in 1949, Bobby in 1950, and Peggy in 1951. The family spent many happy days with friends and relatives in and around Yakima. Always enjoying a good time, Doris and Richard hosted parties for their children’s graduations and later for their many friends. There are many in Yakima who remember good times at the home of Doris and Richard Roy. From the late 1950s to the early 1980s, Doris worked as a bookkeeper, first at St. Paul’s Cathedral, then Holy Family Church, and finally at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. But her true skill was sewing; she made gowns and dresses for family weddings and events, and she had a small business, Doris’ Duds. Doris cherished her seven grandchildren and her eight great-grandchildren, and they loved her. With each new little one, her life gained richness and meaning. She had a great-great-grandson in the last year of her life. Truly a child at heart, Doris will always be remembered for her sense of humor and devilish nature. She will be missed by her friends at Sun Country Estates, where she was a regular for Bingo and Dominoes. Doris is survived by her sons Rob Roy and Tom Roy (Dot) and daughter Peggy Granitto (Andy), and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Roy (2004) and her brother Jim Russell (2010). A Celebration of Doris’s Life will be held at the barn built by her grandfather, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Details will be posted at a later date. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com.