Doris Titaua Blakelock Childers, 95, passed away peacefully in her home in Preston, Idaho, on August 30, 2026, according to a report published September 3. She was born on January 24, 1931, in Papeete, Tahiti.
Doris was born to Sarah Tetuanui Maevahi Buchin and John Thursfield Blakelock. She married Joseph Edmund Childers on October 28, 1955, at the Mesa Arizona Temple. The couple served together in various capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including serving as the president and wife of the Tahiti Papeete Mission and later returning to Tahiti as the first president and matron of the Tahiti Papeete Temple.
A musician, Doris was self-taught in several instruments, including the piano, organ, clarinet, accordion, guitar, and ukulele. She performed with groups such as the Golden Girls and the Utah Polynesian Choir. She also taught Tahitian song and dance throughout her life.
She is survived by her four children: Raquel Hinano Smith, Joseph Kenneth Childers, Colette Moemoea Spratling, and Gisele Maeva Rodgers. Her descendants include 26 grandchildren, 88 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverdale Chapel, located at 3562 N 1600 E, Preston, Idaho. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Additionally, a visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Red Rose Funeral Home, 56 S State St, Preston, Idaho. Interment will follow at Riverdale Hill Crest Cemetery.
Key points:
Doris Childers passed away August 30, 2026, in Preston, Idaho.
She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She was a multi-instrumentalist and performer in groups like the Utah Polynesian Choir.
Funeral services will be held September 5 at the Riverdale Chapel.
