Murphys, CA…Doris Murphy Barger passed away peacefully on August 19, 2016 at the age of 93. She departed this world in the manner she lived her life – with strength, grace and dignity. She was a remarkable woman who lived a wonderful life. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by her two sons Walter (Gretchen) and Stephen (Mary);, her four grandchildren Kimberly Durand (Mike), Krissy Clark (Doug), Sarah Ranney
(Mike) and Benjamin Barger; and four great-grandchildren. Her beloved husband Richard preceded her in death. They met at age 9 as both families had summer cabins on the American River. Dick would rent Doris’ horse and they fell in love ten years later while both were at Stanford University.

Doris was born in Placerville, CA. She grew up on a cattle and sheep
ranch in Calaveras County and attended the one room schoolhouse in
Milton. She graduated from Calaveras High School and attended College
of the Pacific before transferring to Stanford. Doris and Dick were
married on Doris’ 21st birthday while still students.

After graduation they remained in Palo Alto, raising their two sons and
beginning a life-long commitment to community service. During their 58
year marriage they were a devoted, inseparable and gracious couple.
In Salem between 1958-1977, Doris demonstrated compassion for people
in need. She chaired many organizations including the Salvation Army
Advisory Board, the Salvation Army Building Fund Drive, the YWCA
Expansion Fund Drive, and the Salem Technical Vocational College
Committee. She served on the Board of Salem General Hospital and was
President of the Assistance League. Doris was also campaign manager for
several successful candidates for the Oregon State Legislature.
Doris and Dick moved to Murphys in 1977 after Dick retired. They both
devoted time, talent and passion to their community.

Doris was Founding President of the Mark Twain Medical Center
Foundation and supported California Youth Mentoring and Mind Matters
Clinic in Murphys. A breast cancer survivor, she gave the lead gift to
bring digital mammography to Mark Twain Medical Center. The Doris
Barger Golf Tournament, now in its ninth year, has raised funds for the
Hospital Foundation and women’s health. Doris was honored with the
Mark Twain Health Care District Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
She was a dynamic organizer and hands on volunteer and enjoyed her
involvement with the Angels-Murphys Rotary.

Doris was an amazing role model for family and friends. She was an avid
traveler, frequent entertainer and had a quick-witted humor. She always
treated people with respect and in return was loved and respected by all
who knew her. She had a big heart and got tremendous satisfaction from
helping those less fortunate.

We will miss Doris’ inspiring legacy but are consoled by the fact that she
lived a long, immensely happy and productive life. Her love, spirit and
energy will live on.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mark Twain Hospital as well as
her loyal caregivers for their wonderful support and care, especially her
“shadow” Nicole Miller. We also thank Dr. Ryan Thompson for his loving
care and Alison and Alan Dove for their devoted friendship.
A private family graveside service will be at Buena Vista Cemetery in
Murphys. A memorial service will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, August 27th at
St Matthews Episcopal Church in San Andreas.

Contributions may be made to Mark Twain Hospital Foundation, 768 Mt.
Ranch Rd, San Andreas CA 95249; or Mind Matters Clinic, 150 Big Trees
Rd, Murphys CA 95247.