Doris Elizabeth Rhoads

Doris (Dewdney) Rhoads Southwick

Doris made her earthly departure on January 10, 2024, at the age of 92, in New Braunfels, Texas where she had lived for the last 30 years. She was born in Oakland, California on February 28, 1931, to Arthur and Bernice Dewdney.
Upon graduation from high school, Doris departed Oakland for Ottawa University in Kansas, where she earned her degree in 1949. Her chosen profession of teaching was one she practiced when she lived on Guam, Venezuela, Honduras, Abu Dabi and in various corners of the United States. She related to the wonder of young children and retired after 43 years of teaching. Her last assignment was teaching Kindergarten for several years at Sts. Peter and Paul School in New Braunfels.

Doris was an accomplished violinist and played in symphonies for 50 years. The highlight of her musical career was playing 2nd movement of Tchaikovsky Serenade for Pope John Paul II on Guam in 1981. Doris was a voracious reader, and lifelong learner, though she humbly believed she knew so little about so much. Her bookshelf was a treasure trove of eclectic books on all religions, esoteric studies and travel.

She is predeceased by her husband Thomas Southwick, by her mother and father, beloved sister Annis Beutke and niece Janis Howe. She is survived by an abundance of friends, nieces and a nephew, and step-son Tom Southwick, Jr.

Services will be held at the Eden Hill Chapel, 631 Lakeview Blvd., in New Braunfels. Rosary is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7th at 4 p.m., and the Memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 8th at 4 p.m. The regularly scheduled mass will be celebrated for Doris at the Mission of Divine Mercy, 1531 Indian Chief Trail, New Braunfels at St Joseph Chapel, on Tuesday, February 27th at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in her memory to the Mid-Texas Symphony Orchestra, 100 S. Austin St., Seguin TX 78155.