Doris Elaine Walther

Doris Walther died quietly October 2, 2026, in her home, on a lovely autumn afternoon with the sun shining on her.

Doris Elaine Metz Walther spent her childhood in Sharon, Pennsylvania where she learned well the love of family and the midwestern values of hard work and commitment to community. She took considerable pride in her father’s work at the Youngstown Vindicator (local newspaper) and her mother’s work in the local election office. She expressed these values throughout her life.

After high school, Doris followed her older sister into service in the US Navy where she proudly served the country she loved and became a staunch advocate for peace, and for veterans from every branch of the service. An eight-foot-high, illuminated peace sign can be seen easily on the side of her home in Missoula, MT.

Doris’ military work led her to settle in southern California where she met her future husband, Jonathan. They bonded over a chance conversation about their shared affinity for Jon’s hometown of Missoula. During her time in the Los Angeles area, Doris was deeply involved in the cutlery business, with particular emphasis on custom knives. She was a member of the Southern California Blades and worked extensively with knife makers and coordinated knife shows in the LA area in addition to working with Bali-Song who popularized the first butterfly knives in the United States.

In 2002, Doris and Jon were able to move to Missoula where they were able to launch two successful entrepreneurial businesses. In addition to supporting Jon’s work, she embraced her new community. Doris loved working for many years at the County Elections Office (don’t even hint to her that election workers were not scrupulous in their responsibilities to ensuring a fair election). She also volunteered countless hours for the Missoula Food Bank and loved her work there over several decades. When not volunteering, she did her part to keep the Montana Club Casino business afloat. Through all these experiences Doris built numerous lasting friendships.

Doris overcame multiple serious health challenges throughout her life, but cancer was the battle she did not win, despite the attention provided by caregiver, Sandi Hart. Her husband Jonathan Walther, her son James Huertes (Billings), three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a niece, nephew, and Jon’s extended family survive.

Doris asked that any gifts made in her memory be directed to the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center | (406) 549-0543 1720 Wyoming Street, Missoula, MT 59801.