Doris Rosalie Armbruster

Doris Rosalie Armbruster, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at the age of 95, after a brief stay in the hospital near her home in Ontario, California, with her family by her side.

Doris was born in the small town of Trilla, Illinois, on July 10, 1929, to Morton and Nora Lindley. She was the second oldest of ten children, growing up in Neoga, Illinois, in a humble home where she shared a bed with her two sisters, Leatha and Marge. After graduating from high school, Doris left her small-town roots to pursue a bigger life on the West Coast, joining her sister Marge (and her fiancé, Gerald Humes), in California. It was there she met the love of her life, Kenneth (Kenny) Armbruster. They married, settled in Ontario, and raised three children, building a life full of love and laughter.

Once their youngest child reached 10 years old, Doris began working as a secretary at a local office, where she enjoyed a fulfilling 12-year career. Doris and Kenny were happily married for 54 years until Kenny’s passing in 2012.

A survivor of cancer, Doris led a vibrant and active life. She loved spending time with her family, especially camping at Joshua Tree and taking summer trips back to Illinois to visit relatives. Doris also had a passion for learning and adventure, taking belly dance lessons, traveling throughout the U.S. and Mexico with elder hostels, and visiting her daughter in Japan. She was a longtime member of a book club and a strong supporter of fellow cancer survivors.

In 2014, in her mid-80s, Doris discovered the movie, Jersey Boys, and became an ardent fan of the talented actor John Lloyd Young (JLY), who portrayed Frankie Valli. Her admiration blossomed into a journey of travel and connection, as she attended JLY’s performances in Hollywood, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and New York. Through her love of JLY, Doris formed lasting friendships with a wonderful group of women, her “JLY family.”

Doris is survived by her three children: son Scott (Barbara) of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; son Keith (Dana) of Corona, California; and daughter Nora of Temecula, California; her brothers Rex, Jerry, and Dan, and sister Karla; four grandsons, Scott (Cindy), Wyatt, Quinn, and Riley (Kayla); and two great-grandchildren, Jase and Penelope.

A memorial service in Doris's honor will be held at Draper's Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Avenue, Ontario, at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Doris will be remembered for her boundless love, infectious enthusiasm, and unshakeable spirit. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her and will be deeply missed.