Doris Mae Render of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away on October 11, 2023, at 89 years old. She was born on Sept 28, 1934, in Macksburg, Iowa to parents Mildred and Beryl Shawler.
After graduating Doris moved to Des Moines where she soon met Kenneth Gene VanPatten. They married and had five children in Valley Junction.
She was later remarried to Harold Render, the love of her life, in 1978, who had 4 daughters and one son. She and her husband (Harold) were always there for their family with support and love. Their generosity was truly endless.
Doris was a philosopher and a modern-day Renaissance woman. Her main philosophy in life was that everyone deserved to be treated with dignity and respect and allowed to be as they truly are. Doris was a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished, classically trained pianist from her childhood and produced beautiful music. She began her career as a secretary and eventually started her own successful secretarial business, Render Secretarial Services, which she continued until the end of her life.
Doris was an artist and published writer, including many editorials in the Des Moines Register, and her own magazine The Crystal Tower. She studied art and produced many masterpieces for her friends and family to enjoy. She was one of the first astrologists in the Des Moines Area, and she loved to share her knowledge with family and friends. Doris had a Monday night study group for many years that got together at Harold and Doris’ house to talk about spiritualty, philosophy, and the mysteries of life. She also hosted the legendary “Friday Nights” at her house where her family and friends gathered together to celebrate life and enjoy each other for over 50 years.
She is survived by her children, Vicki (Dan d.) McLaughlin, Geno VanPatten, Valerie (Art d.) Johnson, Eric VanPatten, Marilyn Sherwood, Kathy Geerlings, Beth (Barry) Adams, Tonya Beseau, and 19 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; sisters, Sharon (Billy) Dunbar, Wilma (Dewey d.) Akins, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She is pre-deceased by her husband, Harold Render, daughter, Paula VanPatten, daughter, Cindy Segovia, son, Elmer Miles, grandsons; Daniel McLaughlin Jr., Owen McLaughlin, and Armando Perez-Pena, sister, Roma (Chuck) Agans, and parents Mildred and Beryl Shawler.
There will be a celebration of life for Doris Render on November 26, 2023 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Nature Lodge at Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265. All are welcome to help us celebrate Doris’s extraordinary life! Her light and positive energy will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, family and friends.
