Doris L. Felix

Doris was born in the small community of Heber, California. Later, the family moved to the valley and settled in Los Banos, where she attended grammar school and high school. In the 60s, the family moved to Merced. In the mid-70s, her parents moved to Crowslanding where they purchased a small business. During a visit to Crowslanding, Doris met her husband, Tony Felix, an agriculture farmer. She helped Tony raise his two children, Tony Jr. and Chris. She thoroughly enjoyed farm life and was very active in raising the children. Many hours were spent shuttling kids back and forth to catholic schools in Modesto, as well as to many other activities. Additionally, she always had room for a niece or nephew to spend time enjoying farm life for a few days, a few weeks, or longer. They loved spending time with their loving Aunt Doris and family. In support of the kids’ schools, Doris began singing in a number of fundraising Our Lady of Fatima Follies Variety Shows. She was a very gifted singer and sang solo in several shows. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the audience likewise enjoyed her singing. Because she spoke fluent Spanish, a friend in the migrant education field asked her to help translate for parents of school age children who only spoke Spanish. She, of course, said yes. She was very successful in explaining to parents the value and importance of children being in school. It made a world of difference to these families that they could talk with someone who spoke their language. So what started out as a few hours of volunteer work turned into a career/paid position working with children and their parents for the Merced County School District, Migrant Education Program. She truly found her “niche.” She naturally excelled and was promoted to a supervisory position. She very much enjoyed her work and she spent many hours on and off the job as well as her own funds to support the many activities involving migrant children and their parents. She was always ready to help anyone who needed a helping hand. Her gifts were many. Doris could not only sing but she also was creative/gifted in home decorating, sewing, crafts, flower arranging, flower gardening, and making the most beautiful gift baskets for many fundraising activities and silent auctions. She also had a great flair for fashion. She never hesitated to share any of her talents with anyone and many benefited from her generosity. Before and after Doris’ retirement from Migrant Education, she was the primary caregiver of her mother until she herself became ill. She never ceased giving of herself until she just couldn’t. She was loved by many. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ernestine; her brother, Joseph Salas, Jr. and her sister, Josie Phinney. She is survived by son Tony Felix, Jr.,(Kelly); daughter, Chris Taylor (Cliff); five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Arellano, Arizona; sisters Angie Schildts, Modesto; Mary Helen Magana, Mexicali; Pat Courtright, Nevada; Erniestine Fleece, Turlock; and Marion Harmon, Turlock; brother-in-law Chuck Phinney; and many much loved nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be held on April 26 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception, at All Saints University Parish, 4040 McKenna Drive, Turlock. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Private interment will be held for Doris at Turlock Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made in Doris’ name to Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Avenue, Hughson.

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Doris L. Felix

July 22, 1939 - April 3, 2019