Zita Doebler

Zita Doebler passed away on March 20 after living a full 101 years. She was born on February 27, 1905 in Chisago, Minnesota to Bridget Dawson Rochel and Frank Rochel. The family moved when Zita was a young girl to Yakima, Washington where she was educated and spent her childhood. She later moved to Naches where she met and married Carl Doebler, and raised their son, John. Zita was widowed in 1955 but continued living in the Nile Valley with her brother, Vince Rochel. In the mid-seventies she moved to Mattawa to be nearer son John and family.

Zita was an active member of the Sagebrush Seniors in Desert Aire. She loved raising flowers, baking desserts, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful grama because she was never in a hurry or too busy for anyone. At the age of 92 she moved to the Hearthstone Retirement Home in Moses Lake where she lived for nine years, remaining active up until the last few months of her life. Zita celebrated her 100th birthday in 2005, the highlights of which were seeing old friends, being entertained by a barbershop quartet and receiving a card from President Bush. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl, brothers Joseph, Cot, and Vince; sister Helen and infant sisters Mary and Katherine. She is survived by son John and wife Bertie; grandchildren Sylvia Bodenman and husband Don; John and wife Debra, Marcie Shearer and husband Rod; and Scott and wife DeeAnna. Great grandchildren include Brian Bodenman and wife Sierra; Joel Bodenman and wife Bobbie; Eric Bodenman and wife Rebecca; Marissa Bodenman; Ryan, Travis and Garrett Doebler; Carson, Savannah, Mariah and Olivia Shearer and Anjela Davis. Great-great-grandchildren are Abigail, Emma, and Madeleine Bodenman. Zita was a sweet and caring person and will be greatly missed. A graveside memorial will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Calvary Cemetery in Yakima at 3 p.m.. Father Meany officiating.