Obituary for Doris Lorraine Kraus Splattstoesser

Doris Lorraine Kraus Splattstoesser, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born on February 25, 1931, in Morgan, Utah, to Emil Oscar and Esther Emily (Olson) Kraus; the second of seven children in a blended family.

Doris often shared stories from her childhood that reflected both the challenges and humor of those early years. While attending school in Butte, Montana, she would recall walking to school through snow up to her waist, sometimes carrying her brother's trumpet along the way. She also fondly recounted being chased by the family turkey and, in her effort to escape, locking herself inside the chicken coop. These stories and others became cherished family memories. Her family moved frequently before finally settling in Richland in 1943.

On December 20, 1952, Doris married Eldridge Eugene "Butch" Splattstoesser in Kennewick and were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they raised seven children and built a home centered on love, faith, and family.

Doris had a wide variety of jobs throughout her life, reflecting her strong work ethic and adaptability. She worked in various hostessing and waitressing positions; served as a secretary at the 100-N Area during the construction of the N Reactor; worked as a bank teller; managed both the Natural Food Center and GNC; and later served as an office administrator at Benton County Mosquito Control, where she eventually retired.

A creative and talented woman, Doris found joy in many hobbies. She loved decorating wedding and birthday cakes, quilting, and embroidering intricate items such as temple envelopes, Christmas star ornaments, and tiled scenes. Showing her creative side, Doris was always sewing Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren. She also had a love for music and could play both the piano and organ, serving faithfully as a ward organist for 35 years. Doris especially loved caring for and cooking meals for the missionaries who stayed in her home. Her home was a place where memories were made—filled with laughter, stories, and the simple joys of being together.

She is survived by her children: Gary (Jill) Splattstoesser, Terry (Beryl) Splattstoesser, Sheryl Rushman, Paul (Billie) Splattstoesser, Kevin Splattstoesser, and Les Splattstoesser. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, EE "Butch" Splattstoesser; her daughter, Linda (Scott) Hunsaker; her parents, Emil and Esther Kraus; her four older sisters, Marge, Shirley, Lois, and Terry; and her two brothers, Bob and Paul.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Mueller's Tri-City Funeral Home in Kennewick. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the LDS Hansen Park Chapel, 8120 W. 4th Avenue, Kennewick, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.