She was born August 21, 1930, in rural Albion, IL, to Harry Schmittler and Bertha Cowles Schmittler. She grew up on a farm outside of Grayville, IL. Doris attended Dunk Grade School and was Valedictorian of the Grayville Class of 1948. After high school, she attended and graduated from Eastern Illinois University, where she met the love of her life, Charles Harper. She and Charles were married on April 3, 1953, in Charleston, IL, and they celebrated more than 63 wonderful years together before his passing on October 6, 2016.
Doris taught various business classes at Villa Grove High School, Homer High School, Jamestown High School, Charleston High School, Stewardson High School, and Rock Falls High School from 1952 until her retirement in 1991. While teaching in Rock Falls, she went on to further her education at Northern Illinois University and participated in summer workshops in Colorado. In 1978, she and Charles decided to become business owners, purchased property, opened Rack and Range, and then Dixie Cream Donuts in 1981. Doris was a member of IEA, NEA, Rock Falls Education Association, and Delta Zeta Sorority.
After retirement, she and Charles enjoyed wintering in Texas, where they could fish, play cards, and play bingo with their friends. Doris enjoyed time with her family, vacationing throughout the United States, playing cards, games, fishing, doing crafts, and gardening.
Doris is survived by two daughters Rindy (Scott) Wohlstadter of Vero Beach and Karen Harper of Woodridge; grandchildren Cody (Rachel) Calkins of Naperville and Brittney Mills of Dixon; Samantha Wohlstadter of Titusville; sister Eleanor Maurice of Gulfport, MS; two nephews Mark (Kathy) Wampler and Kevin Wampler; two great grandsons Calvin and Teddy Calkins; her extended family in Zapata, TX, many cousins and friends.
She was also preceded in death by her father and mother; nephew, Brad Wampler, and brother-in-law, Howard Maurice, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be 1-3 PM on Sunday, May 17th, at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, and funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, May 18th, at the funeral home with Dr. Reverend Scott Porter officiating. Burial will follow the service at Coloma Township Cemetery in Rock Falls, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Charles.
