Doris "DoDo" Helen Otten, of Freeburg, was born on February 10, 1928, at New York City, New York, a daughter of Louis B. and Eugenia "Jennie" L. Felizzina Williams, and departed this life peacefully at 11:40 A.M., on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at her home in Freeburg after a long-fought battle with cancer. She had been in failing health since 2011, and had attained the age of 88 years, 4 months, and 23 days.

Mrs. Otten was united in marriage on May 2, 1953, at Rich Fountain, Missouri, to Ivo Conrad Otten, of Freeburg, and lived in Jefferson City for most of their married life of over fifty years. She was preceded in death by her husband on August 28, 2005; her parents; two sisters, Grace Steuber, and Catherine "Kelly" Cates; three brothers, Johnny Williams, Cecil Williams, and Robert Williams.

Doris was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where in her later years, she provided communion to home-bound members. She could always be counted on to serve at the seasonal picnics as it gave her an opportunity to visit with friends. She was full of life – feisty, strong and a hard worker. During her working life, Doris had been employed at Cheeseborough Ponds and Sunbeam. When she moved to Freeburg, Doris learned to shoot and hunt. Fall was one of her favorite seasons because she loved sharing the joy and excitement of friends and family members who would bring their "trophies" for her to view. Doris was an avid seamstress and made her own wedding dress. She also loved to cook; no one visited her home and left hungry or without a goodie bag of leftovers. Doris was generous with her time and her possessions. Her caring attitude covered not only people, but animals too. Friends and family can attest to the multitude of stray cats she cared for during her lifetime – in addition to her chosen pets.

The devotion she showed to those she cared for was truly humbling. She cared for Clara, George, and Ivo Otten, Lizzie Talken and her daughter, Irene, Mary Falter, and many others. She was a good shepherd for God. She was the most selfless person we know. For Doris, nothing was ever done halfway. When she cared for you, she jumped in with both feet. Her life was all about being a disciple of Jesus. She gave without thought of herself. She will be applauded in Heaven. God will say, "I am pleased Doris, my good and humble servant."

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Otten include: one sister, Diana Zimbardo, Long Island, New York; four nieces Barbara Brodeur, Betty Smith, Lorraine Zimbardo, and Angela Zimbardo; five nephews, Raymond Steuber, Johnnie Steuber, Lee Cates, Robert Cates, and Joey Zimbardo; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Hospice Compassus, St. Jude's Childrens' Hospital, or the Holy Family Catholic Church with envelopes available at the church or the Vienna Office of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mrs. Otten at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com