Lois Doty

Lois C. Doty (Balcom), of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, her 91st birthday. She was born on July 18, 1935, in Rochester to Clayton and Pearl Balcom. She married her childhood sweetheart, David D. Doty, of Rochester, MN, on June 7, 1958.

Lois lived a life marked by deep faith, devotion to family, and service to others. Lois and her beloved husband, David D. Doty, were commissioned as Salvation Army Officers in June 1960. Together, they served faithfully as Salvation Army Officers for 18 years, ministering in communities across the Midwest and touching countless lives through their compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

At the conclusion of their officership, Lois remained a devoted and active member of The Salvation Army. She served as Director of The Salvation Army Adult Day Care Center in Rochester. She also gave generously of her time and heart by leading Sunbeams, Girl Guards, and Corps Cadets, teaching Sunday School, directing the choir, and guiding Bible study and devotional groups. Her love for Christ was evident in everything she did, and her faith was a steady source of strength and inspiration.

Lois will be remembered for her warm smile, her quick sense of humor, and her quiet strength. She had a deep love for music, beginning with the cornet in elementary school and later teaching herself to play the French horn. She shared her musical gifts through The Salvation Army Band and the Rochester Community Band, and her beautiful singing voice blessed many through choirs and solo performances throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David D. Doty; her son, Don Doty; and her grandson, Keegan McCaskie.

Lois is survived by her children: Julie Doty; Lois Marris (Dave Marris); Justice Whitethorn (Blea); and Cheryl Bissonette (Matt); and by her beloved daughter-in-law, Deb Doty, who has remained her daughter-in-love all these years after Don's passing.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Damon Doty (Maria), Amy Crews (Shawn), Alexandra Gonzalez (Joe), Jacob Marris (Katie), Caleb Marris, Madison St. Martin (Forrest), Ngao Shoua Whitethorn, Maverick Whitethorn, Elijah Bissonette, Aaron Bissonette, Bryce Whitethorn, Mei Mai Pechman, Miletus Whitethorn, and Sarah Whitethorn, and to others who held a special place in her heart.

She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Ari Crews, Coral Weston, CC Crews, Sofia Doty, Dawson Doty, Evran Gonzalez, Skylah Crews, Maeve Gonzalez, Theodore Marris, and Cole Pechman.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna, Minnesota, where Lois was lovingly cared for from November 2025 until her passing. Our gratitude also extends to the compassionate staff and volunteers of Ecumen Hospice, who compassionately guided Lois and her family during her final journey.

Lois's legacy is one of faith, music, service, and love. She leaves behind a family grounded in those same values and a community forever touched by her kindness and devotion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Salvation Army, 20 1st Ave, NE, Rochester, Minnesota, on Monday, August 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow, with a brief graveside service afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Salvation Army in her honor.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Doty family.