Doris S Harter

Doris Schmidt Harter, 88, went home to be with her Lord on October 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on August 29, 1937, in Boonton, New Jersey, to Ernst and Emmy Schmidt, Doris grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, alongside her loving sisters, Elisabeth and Esther. From an early age, her joyful spirit, gentle heart, and deep faith were evident to everyone who knew her.

After graduating from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, with a degree in elementary education, Doris began a lifelong journey of teaching, nurturing, and inspiring others.

In 1962, Doris married the love of her life, Don Harter, and together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2009. In 1974, Don and Doris moved to Idaho, where they raised their family and built a life centered on faith, friendship, and love.

Doris’s life centered around her family, friends, and church. She was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Moscow, where she served faithfully as the Wedding Coordinator, sang in the church choir for nearly 50 years, and was active in the United Methodist Women’s group.

She had more friends than anyone could count and loved hosting lunches and dinners or going out to eat with those she loved. The abundance of friendships she cultivated was a testament to the kind of friend she was — always there to listen, encourage, support, celebrate, and uplift others.

To her five grandchildren, Doris was the best “Grammy” imaginable. She cared for each of them as young children, celebrated every achievement and milestone, and cheered them on through every stage of life. She was their biggest supporter and greatest example of unconditional love. She could not have been prouder of each one of them.

Doris was a light to all who knew her, and she was never without her beautiful smile. She made everyone around her feel loved and valued. Her faith was her foundation, and she said her idea of perfect happiness was “trusting in God, having your needs met, and having wonderful friends and family.” Her life motto was to find joy in all situations and count your blessings, and she often said, “My cup runneth over,” when reflecting on the blessings in her life.

Doris is survived by her daughters Andrea Ingram and her husband John, and Leslie Odenthal and her husband, Chad; her cherished grandchildren, Erin, Jill, Brooke, Luke, and Beck; her dear sister, Esther Wruck; and her sister-in-law, Eleanor Moore.

A memorial service celebrating Doris’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Moscow, Idaho, at 10:00 a.m. on November 15. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the church, in honor of Doris’s lifelong commitment to nurturing others.