Obituary

Doris was born on March 19^th, 1929, in Bellingham, WA to Milton and Ruth (Green) Hatch. She grew up in Whatcom County and went to the Clearbrook grade school. At 10 years old, she moved to Bellingham and graduated from Bellingham High in 1947.

On July 23, 1948, she married Don Hammingh. They settled in Sumas on a farm and lived there for 13 wonderful years. With their 3 children, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1962. There, Don had a home delivery milk route. While living there, they experienced the 1964 earthquake, the largest ever recorded in North America. After 8 years in Alaska, they moved back to Sumas in 1970 and purchased the Sumas Food Market. In 1980, they retired and built their home in Sumas, where she stayed until her final breath this side of eternity. She spent many happy years in that home, gardening, planting flowers, and working in the greenhouse. Doris had a love for God’s beauty and loved to cultivate and care for His creation outside as much as she could. She raised strawberries for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come and snack on throughout the season. Her heart was happiest when she was outside with her gardening tools, surrounded by fresh flowers, especially geraniums. In 2011, her beloved husband of 63 years, Don, passed away, leaving a void in her life.

On August 27, 2016, Doris remarried Oscar DeVries. He brought joy back into her life once again. She had known Oscar and his family for many years, as he would come in every Saturday for their weekly grocery trips. Doris would always greet them from behind the register with a bright smile and warm presence, while Don taught Oscar’s kids how to flip quarters. After Doris and Oscar married, they enjoyed traveling together to visit their children and grandchildren living in the surrounding states.

For many years, Doris taught Sunday School at her church, held Bible study in her home, and was known to all as a kind and compassionate soul. She loved the Lord deeply, and it showed in her hospitality and generosity towards others. Doris had the gift of hospitality and was a wonderful cook. Anyone who had the pleasure of being invited to a dinner she would prepare for them can’t help but think of fantastic food, but ALWAYS with a delicious dessert and black coffee. Whenever someone pulled out a camera, she would always take a moment to put on some fresh lipstick, wanting to ensure she always looked her best. She loved her church, family, grandchildren, friends, and her Friday morning “coffee gals”.

Doris spent her final years enjoying time with Oscar, her children, and grandchildren. There was quite the competition between Diane and Alrene with the “love birds” when playing marbles (Aggravation). The house was always filled with so much fun and laughter. She gave the best hugs, which will be missed fiercely by all who knew her.

On May 29^th, 2025, Doris graduated into Glory at the age of 96 and was received by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is survived by her husband Oscar, brother Ken (Linda, deceased), children Denny (Rose), David (Carol), Diane (Doug, deceased), stepchildren Kurt (Debbie, deceased), Gina (Steve, deceased), Oren (Jill), Arlene, as well as her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doris was loved by many and will be forever missed.

There will be a service for Doris on Thursday, June 5th, at 1:30pm at Sumas Advent Christian Church after a private burial. You are invited to stay after the service for coffee, refreshments, and a time of sharing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sumas Advent Christian Church.