Doris Ruth Shay

Doris Ruth Shay, 96 yrs old, died on Dec. 18, 2025, at her daughter’s (Laurie) home in Sun City. Doris was born on June 16, 1929, in Buffalo, NY to Ruth and Victor Walker. She lived in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada until 1944 when her family moved to Morgantown, WV. She is survived by her brother, Robert Walker, in Palm Desert, CA.

Doris graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Fine Arts. Since childhood, she pursued her passion in brush art, specializing in watercolors. Doris married her husband, Willis, in 1953. They reared three children, Patrick, Amy, and Laurie. She has 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Doris and Willis moved to Hilton Head Island in 1981. She quickly became involved in the Hilton Head Art League and organized the League’s first national juried show. In 2007, she put together a group, “Les Bonnes Artistes”, which annually exhibit their work at Coastal Discovery Museum. Doris has been recognized for her paintings locally and abroad.

Her Memorial Service will be at All Saints Episcopal Church on Jan. 31, 2026 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doris’s memory may be made to the Hilton Head Art League.