Doris Domijanovich Beneitone passed away on Jan. 3, 2021. She was born on March 4, 1923. She was raised in Jerome, the youngest of 10 children to Croatian immigrants.
Doris married Herbert “Scuba” Schumacher in 1942 and they had one son, Don. Scuba was killed in WWII in 1944. She went on to marry Louis Beneitone in 1946 and had four more children, Barbara, Louie, Susan and Debbie. They moved to San Manuel in 1953. In 1969, Louie passed away at the age of 50, leaving her widowed again at the age of 46. She did not remarry, but committed to raising her then five-year-old daughter. She loved her children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They felt blessed and were grateful to have her in their lives for so long.
Doris was one of the last survivors of the Greatest Generation and a child of the Great Depression. Her young life was not easy, but it was full. She grew up tough, resilient and as rugged as the hills and as tender as the hearts which surrounded her. Doris was smart, unselfish, loving, independent, stubborn and as resourceful as rough times require.
She loved to dance, imitating moves from Saturday Night Fever and kicking her long legs high enough to touch heaven. Doris loved sports and was well known for her pitching in fast pitch softball. She loved cooking and baking for others, watching old westerns, playing cards, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
A lifelong FDR Democrat, Doris proudly voted for Biden for a more fair, kind and loving world. She was hospitalized shortly thereafter and contracted COVID-19. She never said goodbye without an “I love you, please be careful”. These were her parting words.
Her family will hold a celebration of her life when it is safe for Doris’ loved ones to gather together, to eat and drink, to hug and kiss, and thereby reflect her life, well lived. In the meantime, the family requests that you wear your mask and stay safe.