Doris R. Olds, 96, of Eden Terrace, Spartanburg, S.C. died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Mary Black Memorial Hospital.

Born March 3, 1913, in Bonpas Township, Richland County, IL, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Maranda Bowers Ridgely.

After attending Red Head School and Parkersburg High School in Richland County, she continued her education at Lewis Institute in Chicago, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1934. In that same year, she married Robert L. Olds whom she had met at Lewis Institute. After living for a time in Ohio and Arizona, they returned to her native county in 1941; and in the fall of 1942, she began her teaching career in the public schools of the county. In 1957 Doris earned a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois and continued teaching until 1973, when she retired as principal and teacher at the Calhoun Grade School. She and Robert moved to Leesburg, Fla., in 1977, and to Spartanburg, S.C. in 1988. Doris was of the Methodist faith.

Robert died in Spartanburg in 1991. Doris was the youngest, longest living, and last survivor of the six children of her parents.

She is survived by two sons, Dan W. Olds (wife, Betty) of Spartanburg, S.C. and John R. Olds (wife, Peggy) of Springfield; four grandchildren, Linda Burrell of Moore, S.C., John R. Olds (wife, Melinda) of Dunwoody, Ga., Tracy Keen (husband, Greg) of Chatham, and Tricia Burke (husband, Kevin) of Chatham; six great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bonpas Township, Richland County, at a later date.

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, June 7, 2009