Doris Grace (Long) Hanks, age 85, of Wolf Point, Montana, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016, at Faith Lutheran Home.
Doris was born on November 14, 1930, in McCone County, Montana, on the home place south of Wolf Point to Ray and Anna (Aadson) Long. She was delivered by a mid-wife in her 80’s, Mrs. William Busse. Doris lived on the farm until she was around 14 when her father died. Doris, her mother Anna and her sister Jenice then moved into a two-room in town. Anna later bought a four-room home where the three of them lived. Doris also spent a considerable amount of time with her sister Hazel and her husband Bud in her early years, and loved bring with their family.
Doris met her future husband, Dennis (Jake) Hanks, at the Stampede Carnival in 1948/. Four months later, Jake stepped on a rusty nail while carpentering with his brother-in-law, Lou Street, and being temporarily laid off, according to Doris, “He decided to make good use of his time and ask this girl he liked a lot to run off and get married. Well, with his foot swelled into a size 12 shoe, he looked pretty pathetic. I really wasn’t sure if it was love or pity, but I sure wasn’t going to wait any longer to find out. We gathered up our attendants and off to Miles City we went to tie the knot.” They were married October 9, 1948.
Not even 18 years old, Doris took on being a great wife and soon a mother. She was very talented: a great cook, artist, seamstress, beautician, to name a few. She did several homestead paintings for family friends, made out of this world prom dresses, cut many, many men’s, women’s and children’s hair, including lots of perms.
Doris adored her children and grandchildren, and was known to bestow upon them red lipstick kisses every chance she got. It was a sad day when her and Grandpa started going south to Apache Junction routinely for 25 years; and being the youngest there and full of fun, everyone loved her.
Doris LOVED socializing and especially dancing. She was always very classy and had her own sense of style, looking forward to any chance to dress up. Everyone took notice when Doris walked into the room; she was beautiful and vibrant.
Camping was another favorite. She was known to pack every conceivable luxury to treat her children and grandchildren: Watermelon, fried chicken, her signature caramel rolls, even ice cream wasn’t out of line.
Doris loved farm and ranch life. She was always ready to drop everything to move cows, help fix a baler, or plop a newborn calf into a warm tub of bathwater born during severe weather. Riding horses, however, was her very favorite; any chance she had, you would find her riding her beloved horse, “Ginger.”
She was one of a kind, and we loved her so.
Preceding Doris in death was her husband, Dennis Hanks; her mother, Anna Long; father, Ray Long; three brothers, Clarence, Bud and Shorty; three sisters, Hazel Pipal, Verine Hansen and Jenice Davis; and a son-in-law, Greg Bridges.
Survivors include: son Dan (Kerry) Hanks; two daughters, Joann (Rick) Heser and Connie Bridges; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a very special friend, Jim Reinhart.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 30, 2016
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 30, 2016
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Eilleen Wilcoxon says
I’m so sorry for you lose. Doris was a sweet lady.
lots of memories growing up.
Jeannie archdale says
I am sad for your loss. I will always remember your dad and mom at the rodeo, she always wore her cowboy hat. She always looked so pretty. I know you will miss her.
Allison Failing says
I only knew Doris during her time in the Home. Her classy dressing and vibrant smile could light up the room like no other. I enjoyed visiting with her. So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort to her family.
Emily says
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the promise God gives us at Acts 24:15, “There is going to be a resurrection.” Won’t that be wonderful to see our loved ones again! If you would like to learn more about this beautiful hope, feel free to visit jw.org.
mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our most sincere sympathy to all of your family. Losing your mother is heartbreaking. You are remembered in our prayers. I can remember your mother smiling –seems she always had a smile. I also remember the fun that her and Dean had on the dance floor. There will be all kinds of good dancing where she’s at. It is comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again. I have a family member funeral in Sidney on the same day-same time.–;so I won’t be able to attend the funeral but my thoughts are with all of you, Love and prayers.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Roy and Kathy Toavs says
So very sorry to hear of your loss. She was such a nice lady.
Norma Rauch says
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Doris well, but she had a smile for everyone. May you find comfort in knowing that God knows and cares for you in your sorrow.
The French's says
To all Doris’s family, our deepest sympathy to you all from Idaho. May your memories keep you filled with love forever. Larry and Donna
scot and gail taylor says
Connie, Joann and family, Gail and I give our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Mother….May God bless and comfort you all…….Scott and Gail