DORIS J. WATKINS METTLER
Sept. 4, 1926 – June 15, 2023
Doris Jean Watkins Mettler, age 96, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Allen, MI and Chelsea, MI passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Sabal Palms Health of Largo.
She was born on September 4, 1926, in Hillsdale, to Lee and Inez (Aldridge) Van Fleet.
Doris graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1943 and attended Jackson Business University and Washtenaw Community College. She was married to William R. Watkins from 1946 until his death in 1990. They lived in Allen until relocating to Chelsea in 1961. Doris worked at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and retired from the Secretary of State Office in Chelsea in 1981. William and Doris developed White Marble Springs in Allen into the White Marble Springs Campground. They moved to Largo, FL in 1987.
Doris was a member of the Allen Pythian Sisters, the Chelsea Eastern Stars and the National Campers and Hikers Association. She is a former member of Bankers Baptist Church, Chelsea Methodist Church and the Anona United Methodist Church in Largo. She enjoyed volunteering for the Largo Police Department, traveling, swimming, camping, bowling, and spending summers at Lighthouse Village in Homer, MI.
A graveside service for Doris Watkins Mettler will take place at a later date at Allen Cemetery.
