Doris J Blakeley

On Thursday, November 11, 2021, Doris Jeannette (Hanni) Blakeley, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend passed away at the age of eighty-nine from natural causes at the St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, MT.



Doris was born on July 16, 1932 in Butte, MT to Ahti and Minnie Hanni. She joined her older brother Gene and five years later, her brother Donald was born. The family resided in Butte, MT and later moved to Virginia City, MT where she graduated High School.



It was in high school where Doris met the love of her life, Jack Blakeley. They eloped at the courthouse in Livingston, MT on July 7, 1950 when Doris was seventeen years old. The couple resided in Virginia City, MT where they welcomed five children: Arlene, Donna, Jim, Pete and Jake between 1952-1967. Later, they would welcome their sixth child, Zeke, born in Deer Lodge, MT in 1969 and where Doris would call home for the remainder of her life.



Doris valued family above all and will be remembered for her fun and amazing Thanksgiving dinners. She looked forward to this holiday and enjoyed hosting family and friends with open arms and a bottle of homemade peppermint schnapps.



When her children were younger, she would joyously cheer from the stands during football and basketball games oftentimes cheering louder than any other parent. She loved her children dearly and was so proud of each of them. She continued this enthusiasm when she watched and cheered on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



Doris loved to have a good time and was known to be the life of the party. She liked to include everyone and would quickly turn strangers into friends. She loved to celebrate, dance and laugh the night away. Her laugh was infectious and her red lipstick smile would light up the entire room. There was never a doubt that if Doris was having a good time, so were you.



After her husband Jack passed away in 2009, Doris was quite lonely and found comfort in the friendships she formed with her two daughters, Arlene and Donna. Besides spending her time with family and friends, Doris loved her cat Tommy. Together they would watch reruns of the Friends series. Tommy would give Doris a peck goodnight and in the morning wake her with a pounce on her chest.



Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Blakeley; son, Jake Blakeley; daughter, Arlene Marshall; grandson, Ethan Blakeley; father, Ahti Hanni and mother Minnie Hanni.



She is survived by her daughter Donna (Bill) Beierle of Deer Lodge; sons Jim (Sharon) Blakeley of Deer Lodge; Pete (Mary Rose) Blakeley of Salmon, ID; Zeke (Trish) Blakeley of Butte, MT; and grandchildren: Vince Shelton; Michael (Michelle) Blakeley; Darren (Kym) Shelton; Jenni Marshall; Michelle (Lee) Garrett; Josh (Vicki) Blakeley; Mindy (AJ) Collins; Steven Blakeley; Perry Blakeley; and great-grandchildren: Dylan Keith; Leanne (Patric) Higle; Garret Shelton; Kiya Shelton; Hallie Blakeley; Jaiden Meagher-Marshall; Devin Shelton; Parker Blakeley; Wyatt Blakeley; Luscienne Homer; Olivia Garrett; Carter Garrett; and Ace Collins.



Honorary Pallbearers will be Vincent Shelton, Michael Blakeley, Darren Shelton, Josh Blakeley, Perry Blakeley and Steven Blakeley.



A gravesite ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 2nd at 2pm at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, MT. A celebration of life will follow at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge, MT.