Doris is survived by her daughter, Debbie Kasnias, Son-in-law, Bruce Kasnias, Granddaughters, Kimberly Botts and Pamela Baumgartner, Great-Grandchildren, Hayley Botts, Tyler Botts, William Baumgartner, Alex Baumgartner, Kate Baumgartner, Sam Baumgartner, Grandson-in-laws, Greg Baumgartner and Leon Beede, Sister, Dorothy Carlise, Nieces Lori, Diane, and Sue, and nephew, Billy. Step daughters Mary and Harriet Merrick. Step Grandson, Peter Merrick.
Doris is preceded in death by her parents, Louise and Anne Harrer. Brothers, Thomas and Jack Harrer. Sisters, Marilyn Jenkins, and Catherine Coleman. Sister-in-law, Barbara Harrer. Brother-in-law, Larry Jenkins. Spouses, Russell Campion and Robert Lou Merrick.
The service for Mrs. Doris Merrick will be held on June 25, 2026 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. 417 Washington Street, Oregon City, Oregon 97045 at 10:30 a.m.
Burial following service at Willamette National Cemetery- 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, Oregon 97086
Doris Catherine Merrick passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, just one day shy of what would have been her 99th birthday.
She was born on April 25, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Louise and Anne Harrer, and was one of six children. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Carlisle.
Doris grew up in Minnesota, where she attended Catholic school and enjoyed a joyful childhood filled with love, laughter, and ice skating with her siblings. She loved music from an early age and her mother, Anne, taught her to play the piano. She enjoyed singing and dancing whenever she could.
In 1947, Doris married her first husband, Russell Campion. Together they welcomed their daughter, Debra Kasnias on Dec. 20, 1952. They were married for 59 years before his passing in 2004. In 1966, the family moved to Canoga Park, California. Later, Doris made her home in Happy Valley, Oregon in 1993 before Doris moved to Oregon City, Oregon in 2018.
Doris worked as a waitress in early life, and later for Deluxe Check Printers as a proofreader for many years, where she worked with her sister, Marilyn, before retiring. She was known for her strong work ethic, warm personality, and love of all people.
On January 10, 2008, Doris married Lou Merrick and they shared ten loving years together, until his passing in 2018.
Doris embraced life with style, sparkle, and joy. She loved sequins, big jewelry, and her signature bright pink lipstick. Shopping trips to Macy's were among her favorite pastimes. She loved playing card games as well. She was a wonderful dancer who loved to travel and take cruises as well. She had a passion for food, especially anything chocolate. She had a soft spot in her heart for dogs. She just loved them, and they loved her!
She had a vibrant personality and a love of beautiful things, especially the colors light blue, purple, and pink.
Her absolute favorite song was, "Somewhere over the rainbow" by Judy Garland. Every time it was on, she was singing along to it. She loved big band music as well. One of her favorites was "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller Band.
Above all, Doris will be remembered for her kind, loving, affectionate warmth she spread to everyone she met. She lived a long and full life filled with music, laughter, family, friends, love, and travel. Her smile and laugh were infectious and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.