Doris was born January 9, 1935, at Timber Lake, SD, to Edward O. and Mabel E. (Winterberg) Gunderson. She graduated from high school in 1953.

Doris married Harold "Pete" Helmey in 1955. They had two sons. They lived in several different places throughout the Western United States. Doris
was a homemaker and raised her sons.

In 1976, Doris married T.D. Smith. They were together for 29 years and lived in California and Texas. They both had a love for music and worked
together to fulfill his dream to be a country singer. Doris worked as a Hotel Desk Manager until her retirement in 1999.

Doris loved working in her yard and was particularly fond of roses. She had many different varieties and colors. She loved to read and her favorite series were Harlequin Romances. Her other passion and hobby was crocheting. In 2007, Doris moved back to South Dakota to be closer to her family. Doris Mabel Smith, 77, Sturgis, went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2012. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer.

Survivors include her mother, Mabel Gunderson, Timber Lake; sons, Chet (Linda) Helmey, Buffalo, SD, and Kevin (Kim) Helmey, Reedley, CA; stepson, Joe Smith, Fresno, CA; stepdaughter, Lita Wade, Whitharrol, TX; brothers, Melvin (Cookie) Gunderson, Sturgis, SD, Melford (Gloria) Gunderson, Black Hawk, SD, Marlin Gunderson, Pierre, SD, Layne (Karla) Gunderson, Mandan, ND, Tim Gunderson, Pierre, SD, and Terry Gunderson, Sturgis, SD; sisters, Beatrice (Ernest) Wilson, Sturgis, Gloria (Jack) Guffey, Rapid City, SD, Carol (Marvin) Sasse, Rapid City, SD, Sylvia Moret, Hartley, IA, and Jayne (Clyde) Pfeifle, Timber Lake, SD; brother-in-law, Jerry Helmey, Eldorado Hills, CA; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her father, two brothers, and one stepson.

A memorial has been established.

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