Anyone who knew Doris remembers she was a planner. The following obituary was written by Doris herself with contributions from her loved ones.
Doris Arlene Heffner Pratt was born September 6, 1930 to Wilma Powell Heffner and Olin Heffner on the family farm in Worden, Kansas. She attended Colyer Elementary School with 8 years of perfect attendance, graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1948, and attended one year at Emporia State Teachers College. She married William “Bill” Pratt on November 4, 1950 and they enjoyed 58 years together working her family farm and raising their son, Jay, whom they adopted in 1961.
Doris enjoyed life to the fullest and was an active member of the community. She had a deep passion for the farm and her annual garden. Doris spent her professional career helping Bill with construction, teaching rural elementary school for 12 years, and carrying mail for 10 years. In her retirement she helped cook at Baldwin schools, cleaned houses, volunteered at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, volunteered at election booths every year, and proudly served on the Baldwin School Board. She and Bill loved entertaining and would often host fish fries and card nights at their home. She was extremely supportive of local sports and activities, as many fellow Baldwinites will fondly remember her cheering on the team long after her grandchildren graduated.
Doris passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023 at Brandon Woods nursing home in Lawrence. She will continue her dedication to education after death in the form of donating her body to the KU Medical Center.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Pratt, and son, Jay Pratt. She is survived by Ann Pratt, granddaughter Heather (and her husband, Tully) Rogers, granddaughter Katlyn Pratt (and her fiance, Josh), granddaughter Lexie (and her husband, Dustin) Wallace, grandson Jon Pratt (and his fiance, Brayden), great-granddaughters Faith and Kennedy Cloud, and great-grandson Miles Wallace.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 2-4 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Faith Home Healthcare or the Baldwin Education Fund would be appreciated. Send in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.
This world has lost a memorable person. She is gone but not forgotten!!! I had many good times at Bill and Doris home. She was a special person which you had to know her remarks about her cattle was meant to be appreciated! She loved that Bill and Jay and Ann and all the grandchildren. We will miss her!
Doris was so sweet. I loved her smile. I know she loved her family and was excited about her new great grand baby. She is missed so much already.
Doris was a wonderful person. I always enjoyed catching up with her when I would see her at events. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. May they treasure all the wonderful memories of Doris and their time together. Rest in peace Doris.
Doris was loved and will be greatly missed by all here at Brandon Woods. Thank you for sharing her with us and letting us care for her. May her soul rest in peace.
Doris was a go-getter! She always had time to stop and visit, help or volunteer to the job done. Rest in Peace, Doris.
My condolences to the loves of her life.
I admire Doris so much for her fiercely independent streak, hard work ethic and great sense of humor! I was so fortunate to get to know her better through UMW at Worden. She was one of a kind and will be dearly missed!
We are so sorry for your loss. Doris was one of the greats! We hate to miss her service, but we will be out of town. We are sending our love and prayers to you all from the Evers.
Doris was one of my elementary school teachers. I will always remember her. She had the biggest smile, which accentuated her perfect eye teeth and reached all the way to her beautiful eyes. Strange, I know. She still remembered me the few times I would see her. I’m not sure if it was because I was a good or a bad student. She is one of the people you meet in life who touches you in such a way that you don’t forget them. I am sorry for your loss.
Doris Pratt was a memorable gal who had a heart of gold. We always loved our time with her when she and Bill came out to pheasant hunt with the rest of the crew. We were to her home many times for the “pheasant” feed. There are lots of good memories. We exchanged letters throughout the years. We wish her family the best. The best of Doris is in each of you grandkids. Thank you Ann for loving her all through these years. She loved you all. Rose and Paul Splichal