Lorene 'Rusty" Doering, of LaValle died on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the Sauk County Health Care Center at the age of 97 with her daughter at her side. She had been a resident there since a fall in December. 

Rusty was born at home on September 14, 1927 to Andrew Johnson and Verena (Gleue) Johnson.  She was the first born followed by her twin sister Loraine. Nine years later their brother Andrew “Slick” was born. Being a red-headed child she was given the nickname Rusty which followed her through her life. Many people, including some family, either didn't know or had forgotten the name Lorene as that was usually only used on documents. After eighth grade graduation in LaValle she went to high school in Reedsburg but transferred (feeling the students were too cliquey) to Wonewoc where she graduated. She had lifelong friends from school in Wonewoc. 

Rusty was united in marriage to Joseph Doering on October 19, 1950. They had one daughter Susan. Joe died unexpectedly on October 16, 1970 at the age of 47.

Rusty was a hard worker and there were times after Joe's death when Rusty worked, sometimes two jobs at a time, until the age when most people retired and she cut down to one. She got her start tending bar for her parents and was well known for being the bartender at both Gabby's and Woody's. She once carded one of Sue's history teachers when he came in due to his looking so young! In addition to tending bar she worked at the LaValle Creamery, Greenwood's Boumatic Milker Service, the LaValle Post Office, the LaValle Telephone Company, the Sauk County Health Care Center, Lands’ End, and was the Village of LaValle Treasurer. She was on the board for the LaValle Library and the LaValle Cemetery Association.

Rusty enjoyed working crossword puzzles which were always done in pen. Up until December she read the daily paper and during the week she also read the Reedsburg Independent in addition to the Hillsboro and Mauston papers. She enjoyed plants. At last count she had 41 African violets, a lemon tree and a shrimp plant; last year the lemon tree had 11 lemons. She always enjoyed going out to eat as she felt it was a treat. For the last few years in the summer her friend Lee would pick her up and they would go to Greenwood's Cafe for breakfast every Wednesday. She always enjoyed getting out, whether it was to eat or get groceries as she would always run into someone she knew and a conversation ensued. After Joe died she started to do cross stitch embroidery again to keep busy. She embroidered eight full size quilts. There were times when she would be pulling floss out. When asked why, she said the stitches were going in the wrong direction; when it was suggested they be left in she said she would know they were wrong so out they came.

Being one of the older lifelong LaValle residents she would get calls from time to time asking about certain residents from the past and what had been located where. She asked one of her younger friends a couple years ago who they would call for answers when she was gone as there were only a few residents left in their 90s that remembered those times. Up until a few months ago her memory continued to be impressive at the age of 97. She loved her small town, and like many in the area, she was saddened by the floods and how they changed the town and the residents.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village for the elderly to remain at home and still have social contacts. Rusty was delighted to have phone pals especially during and after Covid and it's important to acknowledge them as they enriched her life: Mary Lee, Jeanette, Katie, Lee, Gary, Johnnie, Mary D, Sue, Shirley, Sharon and Colette. Also thanks to Mike and Patti who always said if there's anything you need, call, and to Wayne and Nancy and Barb and Frank for always including her in get-togethers. She enjoyed the calls from her nieces and nephews who kept her updated on their lives, their children and grandchildren. 

Thank you to Dr. Wenninger, for his care and some bantering, the LaValle First Responders, the staff at the Sauk County Health Care Center and also from Agrace Hospice for their care during her last few days.

Rusty is survived by her daughter, Sue, grandcat Sophie, Reedsburg, sister-in-law Kolleen Johnson, Cottage Grove, nieces and nephews and their families and friends. Per Rusty's wishes there will be no funeral. Interment will be at a later date at Oak Lawn Cemetery, LaValle. Memorials may be made to the Reedsburg Food Pantry (134 S. Locust St) and Agrace Hospice (5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711).