Doris Papka
June 6, 1944 - September 27, 2024

On Friday, September 27, 2024, Doris Papka, passed away after she bravely endured cancer. She was 80 years old. Born to Frank and Helen Sabo on June 6, 1944 in North Dakota, Doris grew up the fourth of eight siblings helping on their family farm. After moving with her family to Billings, MT, she finished her high school years at Billings Central Catholic High School and met the love of her life, Keith Papka. They married on June 15, 1963. While living in Billings, they had two sons, Douglas and Dennis, before they uprooted and moved to Seattle, WA.

In Seattle, Doris held many jobs in addition to being a wonderful mother. She waitressed at the local Moose Lodge and was very popular among the members for being friendly and always ready with a good joke or prank. She also did all the bookkeeping for the Texaco gas stations that Keith owned and operated for many years. After this, Doris went to work for Allstate Insurance processing payments and data. When this job ended, she went back to school and earned her AA in accounting from RentonTechnical College, an accomplishment that she was extremely proud of. After this, she worked as the accountant for her son Doug's locksmith shop until her retirement in 2009.

Along the way, Keith and Doris had two more children, daughters, Laurie and Linda. They were over the moon because their dream of having four children, two sons and two daughters actually came true. Douglas (Tara), Dennis (Cathy), Laurie, and Linda (Marc) expanded the family to add some of Doris's favorite people in the world, her ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Making her family smile and laugh, especially the children, was one of her greatest joys. Doris was immensely proud of each and every one of them as she watched them grow and accomplish so much. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by family.

Doris had many hobbies and interests including reading, dancing and listening to polka music, playing cards and other games, doing puzzles, crocheting, and baking her well-loved Monster Cookies. She was active in the local Moose Lodge for many years, earning many top honors and being appointed to the top leadership role for Washington State. Volunteering at her church parish was also very important to Doris, as she was very strong in her faith in God.

Many words can describe Doris and her beautiful soul: kind; generous; patient; smart; proud; welcoming; silly; a jokester; a faithful and caring wife; a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Above all else, she was and will always be unconditionally loved. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her local parish's scholarship fund. Checks payable to: "Knights of Columbus Assembly #3183" and noted "Fr. Dalton Scholarship to honor Doris Papka" can be mailed to: Knights of Columbus Assembly #3183 c/o Immaculate Conception Church, 1200 E 5th St,Arlington, WA 98223.

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