Doris Gragg Sherry

Doris Jean Gragg Sherry passed away, surrounded by family, on Feb. 7, 2024, in Stayton, OR. Born on January 16, 1929, in Corvallis, OR, Doris grew up with her parents, younger sister and brother in Bellfountain, OR in modest but fortunate

circumstances in the midst of the Depression. Her family descended directly from Oregon pioneers who farmed and contributed to the United Brethren College in Philomath. From an early age, Doris took pride in her connection to the land and all the gifts that brought. Family, church, education and self-sufficiency were important themes that Doris threaded throughout her entire life.

After graduating from Willamette University in 1950, Doris worked for church organizations in Tacoma before deciding to continue her education at Garrett Theological School at Northwestern near Chicago. Besides deepening her faith, Doris got to explore her more adventurous side as she met new people and explored the Chicago area. She returned to Seattle with a Masters in Religious Education, and began her lifelong love of working as a Christian educator.

While in Seattle, Doris joined the Seattle Mountaineers for a backpacking trip in the Minarets near Yosemite where she met her future husband, Keith, in the summer of 1956. Their courtship was brief, but sure. They married in December 1956, settling in Seattle where they welcomed their first child, Annette, in 1957, and Deanne in 1959. From there, they moved to Sitka, Alaska

where Keith built their house and they both enjoyed the beauty and independent spirit of Alaskan life. Nelson joined their family in 1961 and they stayed up north for another two years before moving back to Oregon where Marcia joined the family in 1964.

The family spent a short time in Washington and then built their lives on 5 acres outside of Corvallis, OR. Doris relished being a mother and wife, gardening, and leading 4-H activities for her children. After Keith had a serious accident in 1971, Doris became the main breadwinner for a while, working again as a Christian educator while caring for Keith and their four children. The family hosted exchange students as a way to learn about the wider world. They also enjoyed camping and exploring the western US.

In their empty nest years, Keith and Doris grew closer together. They took an active interest in their children’s growing families and their home became the gathering place for regular multigenerational birthday and holiday events. Doris continued to work with children as a teacher’s aide and in after-school programs. With Keith they regularly took their fifth-wheel trailer to locales near and far. A trip to explore their old haunts in Alaska and retracing the Lewis and Clark Trail were highlights. Doris continued to be an active and leading participant in her home church, the First Congregational Church of Corvallis.

After Keith died with dementia in 2015, Doris’ life slowed a bit but she continued to make time for her family and friends. She was an avid walker, visited her children and grandchildren often and shared in the celebration of great grandchildren when they arrived. During the pandemic she lived with her daughter Marcia in Ashland, before spending the last year of her life in Stayton near her daughter, Deanne. Doris will be greatly missed. She is survived by her siblings, Don Gragg (Charlotte) and Linda McPherson, her children Annette Sherry, Deanne Sherry Mapes, Nelson Sherry (Lise), Marcia Sherry-Newby (Phil), six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews whose lives she graced.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Corvallis on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 at 1pm located at 4515 SW West Hills Rd. Corvallis, OR 97333. The service will be livestreamed  through the church website. In remembrance donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Mercy Corps, and the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Corvallis.