Doris Davis Gallagher

Doris Evelyn Davis Gallagher, 85, passed away with family by her side in Livingston, Montana, on September 5, 2021. She will be remembered for her warm, generous spirit; avid curiosity; and the captivating artwork she leaves as a legacy.The daughter of Carl and Eunice (nee Yount) Davis, Doris was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, on the first day of 1936 and grew up in northwest Chicago. In 1957, while attending college, she married and soon started a family. She kept up her studies and graduated with a degree in home economics, which may come as a surprise to friends who marveled at her intellect and creativity, while noting her cool attitude toward housework. She began her career as a teacher but was drawn to social work through a desire to help those suffering through adversity. After earning an advanced degree in social work, she went on to excel in the field for many years. While on staff at a crisis clinic in Seattle, she met her life partner, George Gallagher, who worked there as a volunteer. They were married in 1981 and began an adventure together that included founding a thriving business, traveling extensively in Europe, taking frequent getaways to the sunny, white sand beaches of Jamaica, and finding a warm, welcoming home in Livingston, Montana.Doris was an adventurous soul who believed in following her bliss. Among many interests, creating art was her greatest passion. Her canvases, alive with vibrant shapes, colors and textures, were often inspired by the mountains and skies of Big Sky Country. Her work expresses both a love of nature and deep musings on the nature of reality. Doris is survived by her husband George; her children Shamelle Grabill, Tamyala Grabill, and Jeffrey Grabill; her stepson, Sean Gallagher; her daughters-in-law, Lisa Grabill and Marie Gallagher; and son-in-law, Rob Sulski; and 13 beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doris, the love and joy you brought into our lives will be with us always. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021, 1:00-4:00 pm at the Elks Lodge in Livingston. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.