Doris Lee (Bower) Tillett

Doris Lee (Bower) Tillett returned home to her Heavenly Father on January 22, 2026, surrounded by her family in her home in St. George, Utah. She was 89 years old. Doris was born on December 6, 1936, to John Verl and Evelynn Lorraine (Leatham) Bower.

Doris married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Dale Tillett, on March 31, 1955. Together, they built a lifetime of love, laughter, and faith. They raised four children—David (Gayle Seelos), Kathryn (Brian Hemminger), Laura (Mike Fornshell), and Karen Andus (Rory)—and were later blessed with 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Family was at the center of Doris’s universe.

Doris’s life was one of quiet strength and boundless love. She faced her share of hardships, but few would ever have guessed it, as she met every challenge with a smile, patience, and faith. Her heart was gentle, her spirit steady, and her love unconditional. Those who knew Doris knew compassion in its truest form—steady, selfless, and kind.

Through her years, Doris found joy in serving others. She cherished her callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served in both the West Jordan and St. George Temples. She also volunteered at an elderly center, lovingly collecting laundry, sitting with residents, and offering friendship and warmth. Service to others was her joy, and she gave freely, never seeking recognition.

Her devotion to her husband was unwavering. Through his challenges with health and work, Doris stood firmly by his side, sacrificing much to care for their family both emotionally and financially. Her children later realized the depth of her strength and humility, and they carry her lessons of love and endurance forward with gratitude and reverence.

Doris’s childhood stories reveal a spirit of courage and curiosity even from a young age. Growing up in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, at the age of four years old she slipped into water too deep and was pulled to safety by her cousin Jerry—a moment she always believed showed God’s hand in her life. She would later say He had plans for her, and indeed, she spent her life loving and serving others in His name.

Her grandfather once told her, “Honey, you can find God anywhere you want to,” and she did just that. Doris found God in nature, in her service, in her laughter, and in the faces of those she loved most.

Doris grew up in Lava Hot Springs and Dragerton, Utah, where she was a cheerleader and editor for the school newspaper. Known for her sweet shyness and for always blushing, she earned the nickname “Pinky”—though she accepted it, she didn’t much care for it.

She met Bob while still in high school, introduced through a dear friend. Bob impressed her with his green 1951 Ford convertible, and when he offered her a ride on a winter day, she said yes—but only if he put the top down. They were engaged two weeks later and married not long after. Together, they built a loving home in Utah, first in West Valley and West Jordan, where they cultivated lifelong friendships. Later, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, a day of profound joy for Doris, where she was sealed for time and eternity husband and her daughters Laura and Karen. Later in life she was able to do perform work for her daughter, Kathryn.

Though life tested her with deep losses—her beloved husband, two daughters, and three grandchildren—Doris carried on with grace. She became known for her welcoming smile and her contagious laughter—both reflections of her unshakable faith and eternal optimism.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, daughters Kathryn and Laura, and three grandchildren. She is survived by her children, David and Karen (Rory), her sisters Verla Berardi and Brenda (Pratt) Cole, along with her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love.

A viewing will be held in her honor in St. George on Monday, January 26th, at 4:00 PM at Affordable Funeral Home for her friends in St. George. Services will follow in South Jordan at the South Jordan Ward House (10115 Yorkshire Drive, South Jordan, Utah 84009) on January 31st, with a viewing from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Interment will follow at Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery (6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84084).

Her family finds peace in knowing that Doris is now reunited with the loved ones she missed dearly. Her love, laughter, and light will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.

To view the services remotely, please visit: https://zoom.us/j/94353980110