Doris Mae Waterman

Doris Mae Waterman passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at a care facility in Roseville, California. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, remembered for her deep love of family, nature, family history and oil painting. Doris had an unwavering faith and a firm testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on June 12, 1936, in Stockton, Missouri, to Byron and Lottie Baldwin, Doris was the fourth of their five children and their only daughter. When she was seven years old, her family left Missouri and made their home in North Sacramento. Doris enjoyed school and later graduated from Grant Union High School.

Doris married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Waterman on June 25, 1954. Doris began her state career in 1956 with the California Department of Fish and Game before transferring to the California Highway Patrol Headquarters, where she performed various clerical duties.

Doris chose to put her career on hold when she and Ron welcomed their second child. She loved being a homemaker and took great joy in caring for her children and supporting Ron as he worked nights while attending college during the day. Her excellent typing skills and keen attention to detail were invaluable as she assisted him through his college years.

In 1985, as their youngest child neared high-school graduation, Doris returned to state service with the California Highway Patrol and later retired as an Office Services Supervisor in the Office of Public Affairs.
Doris was a very proud mother and grandmother. She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events, and she never missed an opportunity to share their latest accomplishments. Her pride in her family was unmistakable.

She also loved to travel, and she and Ron enjoyed many vacations exploring the Canadian Rockies and the Redwood Coast in their RV. She treasured traveling with her children and grandchildren to Yellowstone, New York, and British Columbia. Her favorite place, above all, was Hawaii, where she made many lasting memories with family.

Throughout her life, Doris was blessed with many lifelong friendships—with schoolmates, coworkers, and members of her church community. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she happily served in many capacities over the years. In addition to her church responsibilities, Doris was a valued school volunteer and played an important role in establishing the Thumbs Up program for Sacramento County in the early 1980s—an accomplishment that brought her great joy.

Doris is survived by her son, Ronald Jr. (Lesley) Waterman; her daughters, Kathy Waterman and Karen (Shad) Pulley; four grandchildren, Nathan (Amber), Brandon and Justin Pulley; and four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Dean, Kaydence and Levi Pulley.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and her beloved husband of 70 years, Ronald L. Waterman, Sr.

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