Doris Marilyn Wilkins Obituary

Doris Marilyn Wilkins, age 84, of Fate, TX, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2020. She was born on October 1, 1935, in Graceville, MN, to Stanley and Hilma (Dorff) Rilley.

Doris was the youngest of three children and grew up on her parent’s farm in Minnesota. Her caring and compassionate nature drew her to nursing school in the Twin Cities and later a career as a nurse.

Doris was strong, determined and resilient throughout her life. She was always ready to help others and enjoyed volunteering for various organizations. She cherished and loved her family. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren. Time spent with family was always special to her. Her presence will be deeply missed.

Doris enjoyed painting, sewing, needlework, crossword puzzles, cooking, and baking. She collected recipes and was always happy to share them. With her husband, who was the love of her life, Doris enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing and traveling. She was always up for adventure and fun.

Doris was proud of her Scandinavian heritage and enjoyed all things Norwegian and Swedish, right down to her “Uff Da!” keyring and license plate cover.

Doris is survived by her loving husband of 34 years: Joe L. Wilkins; blended family: Dawn Martinez, Jodi Carter and her husband, David, and Mona Lindsey; sons; Timothy Rix, Thomas Rix and wife Gina, and Daniel Rix and wife Hannah; Van Michael Wilkins, Melody Wilkins, Kimberly Wilkins, Margo Wilkins, and Brian Wilkins; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother: Don Rilley. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Dorothy “Dot” Zimmerman; daughter: Tina Klekar; and granddaughter: Amber Klekar.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location. Interment will follow in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior to the funeral beginning at 12:00 pm.