Doris Elizabeth Bickett passed away peacefully on the evening of January 31, 2014 at the age of 91. Doris was born in Sidney, Indiana on June 23, 1922, to Loyal and Elizabeth Dome, the fifth of their six children. She grew up on the family farm in Indiana and worked her way through college, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Indiana University.
In June of 1947, Doris married Paul Spahr Bickett, the son of an Indiana Methodist minister. Doris and Paul lived in northern Indiana, Florida, Arizona, and Bakersfield, California, before settling in their long time home of Santa Paula, California in 1964.
Doris was a social worker in Ventura County for over 20 years. She was active in the First United Methodist Church of Santa Paula, and in civic organizations including The Friends of the Santa Paula Library, Ebell Club and the Santa Paula Soroptimist Club. In 2004, Doris was recognized by the Soroptimist Club as a “Woman of the Distinction” for her support of economic and social development within the community.
Doris enjoyed baking, and her cinnamon raisin bread always sold out quickly at the annual church bazaar. She loved traveling with husband Paul in their small motor home, reading mysteries, playing cards, and spending time with family. She was a devoted grandmother and followed her 4 grandchildren’s endeavors with enthusiasm. Doris was known for her quiet kindness and generosity of spirit. She was an attentive friend, always willing to help. Doris cared for animal friends as well; rescuing an abandoned Italian Greyhound she named Baby, who became a beloved companion to both Paul and Doris in their retirement years. Doris also enjoyed gardening and in addition to tomatoes and a variety of succulents, she cultivated sunflowers in her back yard which fed countless flocks of finches. She had a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh.
After 53 years of marriage, Doris’ husband, Paul, passed away in November, 2000. Doris remained in Santa Paula until 2009, when she moved to Sacramento to be closer to her children. She spent the last 5 years of her life in an assisted living facility where she was a favorite among caregivers and residents alike. During that time, Doris especially enjoyed frequent excursions with daughter, Jan, to watch for wildlife on the Delta, eat lunch out or savor the scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Doris is survived by her son, Alan Bickett and spouse, Jeanine, of Fremont, CA; daughter, Jan (Bickett) Roberson, and spouse, Alton of Sacramento, CA, and four grandchildren: Adam, Dawn and Jordan Bickett, and Eric Roberson. Doris is also survived by her siblings Geneva Moore (IN), Harold Dome (IN), David Dome (MO), and Margaret Suzanne Townsend (IN), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Paul Bickett and her older sister, Irene Dome (IN).
In accordance with her wishes, Doris Bickett’s remains have been cremated. Memorial donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy or Doctors Without Borders.
