Doris Jeanette Powers Swindell was born on June 26th, 1932 in Parma, Mo, to Wilma and True Powers. Doris married James “Shorty” Swindell in 1950, the year after graduating high school. They lived in Bloomfield, Mo until 1967, when they moved to Salem.
Doris enjoyed music, sports and nature. In her younger years, she sang and played piano in a travelling group, the Girls Glee Club. She was a devoted follower of Shannon and the Rhythm Kings, Yadier Molina (and his team), and Charlie Spoonhour. She was a passionate spectator at events in which her children or grandchildren were involved. Doris’s love for nature was evidenced by the diversity of plants in her yard and her well fed birds, and an appreciation she passed to her children and grandchildren.
Doris’s quiet grace affected many people. She was supportive and kind to her neighbors, in-laws and community. Her children, their friends, and her grandchildren knew her home was a place of acceptance, warmth and good food. The families that she helped with their homes considered her a true friend and the many children she helped to raise experienced her genuine generosity and compassion. The name “Granny Doris” brings a smile to many faces and warmth to many hearts.
Although Doris worked at the Bloomfield Clothing factory and International Shoe Company, she had an unrequited desire to be a teacher. To fulfill this wish she gifted her body to the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Doris passed from this life on December 15th, in Kansas City Mo. at 89 years of age. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Margie Lou and Lenore, brothers Victor, Doyle and Roger, husband James R Swindell, son Don, and son in-law Gary Fowler. She is survived by siblings John, JC, David, Dwight and Chester; children Doyle and wife Susan Swindell, Sondra and husband Bill Epperly, Rena and husband Jerry Hindman, and James and wife Sarah Swindell; grandchildren Shannon Basham, Mellissa and husband Ron Maresh, Travis Swindell, Rachel and husband David Demand, Walt Duecker, Miles and wife Alexis Duecker, Joel Hindman, Taylor Hindman, and Sam Swindell; great grandchildren Jessica, Stephanie, Katelyn (Conner), Cole (Megan), Sierra (Corbin), Jasmine, Rylan, Raylee and Reed.
Memorial service for Doris will be held at a later date.
