Doris Ocheltree

Doris Lee (Painter) Ocheltree, 83, of Ripley went to her heavenly home on April 18, 2024. Her husband of 63 years, Sterling “Sterl” Ocheltree preceded her in death. In addition to Sterl, she was also preceded in death by a sister Becky Keller, daughters-in-law Angel and Robin and brother-in-law Phil Keller.

Doris was born October 1, 1940, the daughter of the late Ray “Sam” and Bernice (Ankrum) Painter

Doris will be sorely missed by her sons Rick Ocheltree of Richmond, VA, Jerry of Wytheville, VA and Terry (Teresa) of Ripley; sisters Donna Keller and Sue Black; brother Eddie Painter; grandchildren Amy (Chris) Shaaf, Emily (Sam) Gottwald, Erin (Drew) Bowman, Evan (Alexis) Ocheltree, Tara (Caleb) Morrison, Megan (Taylor) Kirkland, Hunter (Blair) Ocheltree, Kyle (Corie) Ocheltree and Paige (Josh) Thurman. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 9 nieces and nephews.

Her great-grandchildren were her favorite visitors. Those who lived nearby loved to sit on her lap, go to the toy closet and eat some of their snacks. With technology she was able to visit with those who lived out of state.

Doris was well known in Jackson County due to her long tenure of working as an assistant in Dr. Josef’s office in Ripley. She always received praise for being so kind and helpful.

She and Sterl were both active in the KERA athletic leagues. They were also active supporters of the Ripley High School athletic programs and Ripley Little League baseball, which all their sons were very active in. She was also an active member of the United Steelworkers Ladies Support group for many years.

She dedicated much of her time in her later years on the telephone checking on family and friends. If there was a need, she often prepared food or offered others assistance. She was a great host and loved having family gatherings at her home.

Her and Sterl always shared the way of rural living with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren by taking them to Uncle Eddie’s farm. While there the children enjoyed wading in the creek, catching crawdads and petting the goats.

A joint memorial service to celebrate both Doris and Sterl Ocheltree’s lives will be held 6 p.m. Friday, April 26th at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley. A time of visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. The family requests that those who would like to remember Doris to give a memorial donation to Calvary United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 205 North Court Street, Ripley, WV 25271.Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com