Doris Allerding

Doris Allerding passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, in Hastings, Michigan. She was born on August 1, 1932, in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, the daughter of John McCartney and Pearl Marie (Massey) Parker.

Doris began her career at Michigan Bell, as a telephone operator from 1949 to 1953. She was a graduate of Sault Ste Marie High School, class of 1951.  She later worked at Brown's Custom Interior in Hastings from 1969 to 1978, before joining Flexfab, where she remained until her retirement in 1993.

On November 3, 1951, Doris married Vern Allerding. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage of 68 years until Vern's passing in 2019.

Doris was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Beyond her work and church life, she was an extraordinarily talented artist. Her passion for sewing, chair caning, refinishing furniture, and porcelain doll making was more than a hobby; it was a form of expression that brought beauty to the world. Doris specialized in creating authentic Native American dolls, a craft that required both artistic skill and deep respect for the culture she represented. She poured the molds herself, ensuring each piece was unique. Her creations won 1st and 2nd place awards at Native American Art Shows in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and at Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant. Her work was displayed in art galleries, where visitors could appreciate the intricate details and cultural significance of each doll.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vern Allerding, and sisters Roberta McGuire, Shirley Runyan, Corrine Blackwell, and Joan Clark.

She is survived by her sons Larry J. Allerding of Hastings; Bryan Lee (Paula) Allerding of Hastings; grandchildren Tyler J. Allerding of Tampa, Florida, Erin (Zachariah) Leary of Hastings, Katie (Richard) Grove of Sunfield, Abbie (Drew) Plemmons of Okemos; great-granddaughters Emmerson Leary of Hastings, Isabella, Grace and Emilee Grove of Sunfield; great-grandsons Liam Leary and Calvin and Harrison Plemmons; siblings-in-law Duane (Marie) Allerding of Hastings, Kevin (Cheryl) Allerding of Hastings, and Terri (John) Catt of Lake Odessa; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Woodlawn Meadows Assisted Living for their compassionate care during Doris' time with them.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:00 AM, with a time of visitation one hour prior, at Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E. North Street, Hastings, MI  49058.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Interim Healthcare and Hospice of West Michigan, 1971 E. Beltline Ave NE # 216, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.