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Doris Ann Samuelson was born on June 6, 1925, in Riverton, Wyoming, to Lois (Price) and Forrest Whitlow. She entered into Heaven on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at the age of 99, passing away peacefully at Wind River Rehabilitation Center in Riverton with family by her side.
At the age of three, Doris moved with her parents to Lander, Wyoming, where she grew up and graduated from Lander High School in 1943. That same year, she began nursing school at Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Denver, Colorado. After graduating as a registered nurse in 1946, she worked at Children’s Hospital in Denver, caring for patients in the iron lung unit during the polio epidemic. She returned to Lander a year later and was employed at Bishop Randall Hospital.
On September 18, 1949, Doris married Dee Samuelson at the St. Paul’s Methodist Church, now the Riverton Museum. They were happily married for 51 years until Dee's passing. Together, they raised five children in their family home on Sunset Drive in Riverton. During this time, Doris served as a substitute school nurse in the Riverton schools.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Linda Samuelson of Riverton and Judy Samuelson of Casper, Wyoming; sons, Douglas (Susan) Samuelson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Garland (Roxy) Samuelson of Riverton; and sister-in-law, Joyce (Whitlow) Thompson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Samantha (Bryan) Phelps, Mike Lord, Dan (Natalie) Lord, Amanda Lord, Elizabeth Wood, Andy (Jolene) Samuelson, Christie (Matthew) Coughanour, and Brady (McKenzie) Samuelson. Her legacy continues through her 16 great-grandchildren: Alyssa Samuelson; Kyra, Jena, and Ava Lord; Maggie, Abby, and Emily Samuelson; Ellie, Owen, Emmitt, Isaiah, and Shishira Coughanour; Axel, Everett, and Ryan Claire Samuelson; and Carter Reynolds.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Forrest; her brother, Donald Whitlow; stepfather, Wilbur Mund; husband, Dee Samuelson; and daughter, Beverly Lord.
Doris was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women’s group, and the Joanna Circle. She was a member of the P.E.O. AZ chapter and served as a past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, having been a member for 76 years. Additionally, she was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, past president of the Chautauqua and Progressive Federated Clubs, and a lifelong member of the Riverton Hospital Auxiliary.
Doris wished for everyone to know that she loved all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends with her whole heart. She enjoyed sharing numerous detailed stories from her past and is remembered for her lively conversations, never-empty cookie drawer, artistic creativity—from oil and watercolor paintings to custom-shaped pancakes—her love of the piano, her well-tended rose garden, and most of all, the love she showed every person she encountered. Doris’s bright and shining personality will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people she touched throughout her long and beautiful life.
A viewing will be held at the Riverton United Methodist Church in Riverton 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, followed by the funeral service 2:00 p.m. with a funeral procession and burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorials in memory of Doris may be given to the Riverton United Methodist Church or to a charity of choice in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main St., Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line condolences for Doris’ family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.