Doris Marie Fabel

Doris Marie Fabel received her wings November 27, 2022.  A Montana native entering the world as the youngest daughter of the late George and Hilda (Overson) Yoder, Doris “Dee” Marie Yoder was born April 13, 1936. She grew up with her brother Jerry and two sisters Shirley and June in Brady, MT. The family eventually moved to Great Falls in 1942. After graduating from Great Falls High School, Doris married Leland Fabel with whom she celebrated more than 50 years of marriage with. It was in this union the term “Fabel Love” became the family phrase for possession of a big heart but a challenging spirit.

In 1955, Doris gave birth to Denis, then in 1957, Brad and finally in 1961, Scott. Doris worked at Sweetheart Bread Bakery until she retired in 1996. After her retirement, her sister Shirley encouraged her to work at MarShell’s Fashion Boutique where customers delighted in her ability to make their upcoming prom and wedding celebrations special with just the right outfit. She retired from the store in 2016.

With a gorgeous view of the Dearborn River, the family has many fond memories of gatherings at “The Land” which Doris purchased with her baby brother. Strong bonds were formed between the Fabel and Yoder families, and nature was appreciated with rustic camping, fishing, and river floating. Doris was a great cook and enjoyed planning delicious menus that often- included homemade tacos. Doris didn’t enjoy the pack rats, hornets, skunks, and snakes that were bunking at the cabin, but she enjoyed family time no matter where the gathering took place.

Life threw a few lemons at Doris, but she was a strong woman of faith. She was raised at Our Savior’s Lutheran. After the untimely death of her oldest son Denis, she joined her second spiritual family at Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church where she was very active volunteering and hosting weekly bible studies. Her faith guided her through a breast cancer diagnosis, and she proudly beat the big “C.”

Doris was a proud Norwegian but Uff Da, she had a unique way of pronouncing words that only the most skilled could decipher. Acknowledging she was not perfect, she felt being Norwegian was basically the same thing! Her mother taught her to make the best lefse and lemon meringue pies.

Also, near and dear to Doris’s heart were her furry children Sarge, Benji, Yeti, Snoopy and Sport. After they crossed the rainbow bridge, Doris continued to be the purveyor of dog treats with her “family” at Cascade Senior Ridge Apartments who provided her tremendous support as she declined in health.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Leland; son, Denis; and sisters, Shirley Reidy and June Vankoten. She is survived by her brother; Jerry (Joan) Yoder; sons, Brad (Cathy)Fabel, Scott (Glenda) Fabel; grandsons, James (Jennifer) Baker, Daniel Fabel, and Leland (Amanda) Fabel; granddaughters Amber Baker, Rachel Baker, and Alisha Baker.  She is also survived by eight great- grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place in Great Falls May 6, 2023, at 2pm at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church.  The family asks that donations be made in Doris’s honor to the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.OConnorFuneralHome.com .