Obituary of Doris Ann Bartels Reynolds Boyer

Doris Ann Bartels Reynolds Boyer, 87, passed peacefully February 4, 2024 in Lexington, SC with her children by her side. Born April 18, 1936 in Auburn, IN to Franklin (d. 1984) and June (d. 2009) Bartels, she attended Auburn city schools where she was an honor student, class president, band member, TriKappa inductee,Tri-Hi-Y leader and member of yearbook and Devil's Journal newspaper staff, while also a contributing journalist for the local newspaper. At Indiana University, she was active in Alphi Phi sorority, on the Dean's list, and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. She married her high school sweetheart, Tom Reynolds (d. 1976), in 1958 and taught elementary school briefly in Huntsville, AL before settling in Jackson, MI where they began their family. In 1973 they relocated to Montgomery, AL and after Tom’s untimely death, she was blessed with a long marriage to William D. Boyer (d. 2014) in Auburn, AL.

Doris and Bill were active in community activities and enjoyed Auburn University football and basketball with the tailgate festivities that brought together extended family. She loved and supported the performing arts: band and choral concerts, Auburn University theatre, Shakespeare, Broadway; and attended many dance competitions, concerts, theatrical performances, and sports competitions of her grandchildren. She lovingly served others through her lifelong involvement in Lutheran Churches in Indiana, Michigan, and Alabama -  a legacy of faith passed down from her parents. Doris raised her daughters to value education, have a strong work ethic, serve others with a generous Christian spirit, and be confident and independent. She encouraged all to uphold the Bartels’ music tradition of band/choral involvement in school, church, and community.  She taught her daughters to play piano, sew, cook/bake pies, and compete in games.  Doris balanced a career in real estate with activities of gardening, playing bridge, listening to audio books, attending Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes, and traveling to visit family.  Her grandchildren have many happy memories of time spent playing Flinch, reading books, birthday shopping, playing in the backyard, tailgating and, of course, being passionate Auburn fans.

Doris is survived by her sister, Donna Holl, (Carl), daughters, Kim Etcheson (Tim), Peggy Sedlacek (Chris),Teresa Champion (Robert), and Cathy Costelle (Doug); stepdaughters, Kitty Boyer-Lusche (Peter), Susie Cappar (Dick), Anne Boyer-Shute (Randy d. 2019), and Mimi Browne; 11 grandchildren, Marek, Taylor, Abbey, Rachel, Connor, Davison, Emily, Christopher, Daniel, Jeremy, and Grace; two great grandchildren and many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

The family thanks the caring staff of both Wellmore of Lexington and Agape Hospice who cared for Doris in her recent years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan's Purse (an organization that brings physical relief and the hope of the Gospel to hurting people around the world) or any charity of your choice.

A private family memorial service will be scheduled later in Alabama.

Doris began her life in Auburn, Indiana and will rest eternally in Auburn, Alabama alongside Bill in the City of Auburn Town Creek Cemetery columbarium.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.