Doris M. Splichal

In the early morning of February 7th, our beloved Granny, Doris Splichal, passed away peacefully at home in Cheney. She was 101. She was born Doris Mae Benedict, in Sandpoint, Idaho on September 7, 1910, the fourth of five sisters. She grew up on the family farm in Moscow-Pullman area and was a graduate of Pullman High School, class of 1928. Doris graduated from Kinman Business School in 1929, first working as a secretary in the ONB building in Spokane and continuing to work as an administration assistant for the Pullman phone company, the Pullman hospital and the Soil Conservation Service. During which time she met Edward Splichal, whom she married in 1950, thereafter moving to the Splichal farm ten miles south of Cheney, where she lived with her husband and their two daughters, Patty and Helen McCormick. There, Doris was an active member of both the Plaza and East Cheney Granges. Three years ago she was awarded her 50-Year pin as a Grange member. After the death of her daughter Helen and Helen's husband Wayne Johnson in 1965, she raised her two grandsons, Curtis and Dana Johnson. Doris moved to Cheney in 1976, where she continued her involvement in the St. Rose of Lima Women's Guild, becoming Guild president for a term. She also continued her lifelong pursuits in horticulture, sewing, knitting and cooking, where her green thumb and magic with baking served her well. In retirement she also finally had time to become an avid reader and traveler, flying several times to California to visit family and friends. And to Branson, MO and the nearby ancestral plots in Noel, where her parents originated. Her grandfather fought in General Sherman's army during the Civil War, and a photo of him in retirement, whittling while watching friends shooting marbles, hangs on the second floor of Eichardt's Pub, Grill and Coffee House in Sandpoint. Although Granny was born out West, she always showed her Midwestern charm and sense of humor. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Testerman of Walla Walla, WA., six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cheney. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Burial will be next to her husband at Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Doris M. Splichal

September 7, 1910 - February 7, 2012