July 3, 1937 – Nov. 29, 2021
Today there are 219 teary smiles, feeling deep gratitude that they get to hang on the same family tree with Doris Palmer Standing … and that she CHOSE to take each one into her life and love them as her own!
It all began July 3, 1937, when Doris was born to Alva L. and Ella Warr Thomas in Murray, Utah. Oh, how they adored her, and she adored them. She was also blessed to grow up with her younger brothers and sister: Brent Thomas (Sandra), Bob Thomas (Kathy), Karren Gibson (Randy). Those five original hearts were the beginning of her family tree.
On Oct. 26, 1956, Doris married Ron Bullock. Although they later divorced, their union brought the adoption of two babies whom Doris loved deeply, Randy and Ronda, along with two grandchildren, grew her family tree to nine hearts to love!
Doris married James R. “Jim” Palmer on May 2, 1981. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Oct. 26, 1985. Her family tree doubled in the blink of an eye with the addition of Jim’s nine children, whom she loved as her own. They are: J. Dean Palmer (Valene), Beatrice Johnson (Dean), Brenda Livingston (Blaine), Treasa Perkins (Larry), Shirlene Remington (David), Greg Palmer (DeAnna), Michelle Giles (Troy), Brett Palmer (Cindy), DeAnn Christiansen (Bill). Those children brought along 37 grandchildren, 119 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren. This crew grew her family tree to 197 hearts to love! Jim passed away in 1996.
Doris married Harry Standing on Feb. 6, 1999, in the Jordan River Temple. Her family was so thankful for Harry’s loving care. They were faithful partners as Harry loved everyone on Doris’ family tree and she loved everyone on his. His children are: Jeanette Forrey (Franklin), Laura Male (Robert), Karen Gerlach (Rus), Brent Standing (Karen), along with 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. This completed her family tree!
The day Doris passed, her full-grown family tree included 219 family members, not to mention all their spouses. She knew every face and every face felt her love for them. At Christmastime she would distribute bundles of cards with names handwritten for each one. How is it that so many people could feel they were her favorite? She had a special gift for making everyone feel that way. This includes many friends, neighbors and ward members.
In her youth, Doris attended Webster Elementary and Cyprus High School in Magna, Utah. She also attended Henagar School of Business in Salt Lake City.
She has been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her entire life. She loved serving. Some of her service included roles in the presidencies of the Stake Young Women, Ward Relief Society and Primary, where she was also a teacher and pianist. She served as an ordinance worker at the Jordan River Temple with both Jim and Harry. She and Harry served missions at the Conference Center, the LDS Employment Center, and the Family History Library.
Doris loved to garden. She developed the love of flowers through her aunt and mother. Doris also loved puzzles and had been keeping a diary of the hundreds of puzzles put together by date, name of puzzle and number of pieces.
She was extremely talented. She sewed most of her children’s clothing when they were young and created countless cross-stitch treasures for her family. In her spare time, she would knit and crochet afghans and square dishcloths to gift to those she loved.
She enjoyed playing golf, camping and spending time with family. She also loved to cook and had favorite recipes that were requested each time she brought food to gatherings.
Jim converted Doris to be “True Blue, Through and Through!” She loved BYU football and watched every game she could, no matter where she was. In fact, she watched her last game Saturday night. Thanks to the Cougars for that win! It put a smile on her face!
Doris is survived by the 219 who owned her heart and will miss her deeply. They are happy she is reunited with those she loves in Heaven: husband James Palmer, parents Alva and Ella Thomas, brother Brent Thomas, daughter-in-law Jeanie Palmer.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” This was not only Doris’ favorite scripture, but it was how she lived her life. She faced many trials including cancer, which ultimately led her to the other side. We know as she passed through the veil, she did so with her loving smile, having trusted in the Lord all her days.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at 12 p.m., with a viewing prior from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Stansbury Park Stake Center, 417 Benson Road, Stansbury Park, Utah. Services will be available in person and on Zoom. Zoom link is at StansburyStake.org. Select “Doris Standing Funeral” from the menu. Online condolences may be given at crandallfhevanston.com.