Doreta Yvonne Boyd

Services for Doreta Boyd will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 2pm. Visitation will be from 1pm till service time on Tuesday, also at the funeral home.
Burial will follow the services at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Doreta passed on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in Topeka, KS. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Dunbar Swartz.

Doreta was born Tuesday, March 22, 1938, in Lawrence, KS the daughter of George Patterson and Bessie Puderbaugh Patterson. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1956 and was a part of the a cappella singing group. Doreta owned her own art store, Doreta’s Decorative Arts, in Lawrence, KS. Where she specialized in painting classes for 18 years. Her & Monty later became traveling sales reps. They enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends along the way. She also enjoyed spending her pastimes watching the Jayhawks play basketball, never missing a KU game. The grandchildren were always her pride and joy. Doreta had an infectious smile and a kind soul. She was loved by many and will be missed by many.

Doreta had two children, Brenda, and Beth. Doreta married Monty Boyd June 12, 1980. They brought their families together and she is survived by her husband, Monty Boyd, Lawrence, KS; Brother, Forrest Patterson; Sister, Sheryl Stafford, Florida; Daughter, Beth Crist, Lawrence, KS; Stepson, Marty Boyd, Eudora, KS; Stepson, Mike Boyd, Lewisville, TX; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s association or charity of their choice. alz.org

Messages & Condolences

From Sue Spellman...

Doreta was a wonderful lady full of kindness and friendship! I still have the first painting I did in her class! She was a true friend!

From Sherri Christian...

R.I.P. Aunt Doreta until we met again.. Give Grandma Patterson hugs for me tell her I miss her..I know you are rejoicing with them all…Thanks for all the memories we had…Love you forever💔💔

From Glenda and Leo Souders...

Beth and Monty,

Leo and I are thinking of you two, and are sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. I think everyone would agree that no matter how hard you looked, you will never find another gem like Doreta! She had a heart of gold, and such a loving spirit to boot! She taught me so much! I will always cherish the time I got to spend with her. May GOD Bless you both during the days, weeks and months to come.

From Laura Fix...

Much love to my teacher, counselor and friend. She’s in heaven with her dear daughter waiting to welcome us. I’ve missed you💔

From Charlotte hastings...

Many treasured memories with my friend and teacher and artist companion. Will always remember the times we got to spend together at Doreta’s decorative arts when I taught classes there and the social times we got to spend together too special memories with Doreta and Monty. Very caring generous people.
May Godspeed Doreta’s family to be at peace with her crossing over to be in heaven. They will miss her so much..

From Kent Fisher...

I have fond memories of taking oil painting classes from Doreta around 1979/1980. She was a patient teacher and a very kind person. So sorry for your loss.

From Rita Philip...

Our deepest condolences to Sherise,James,Dan and all the family. Your Grandma Doreta was a large part of your lives and a loving anchor for you. May her legacy live on in Jesus name. Love Rita,Anil & Dunamis Philip

From Steve and Cathy DiPietro...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of your loved one. May you remember the love and joy that she brought to your lives.

From Debbie Boyd...

From the day I met Doreta, she welcomed me into the family from day one with open arms . I loved her the moment I met her, we became an instant family ,we developed a bond like no other . She was truly a class act. Such a type of person I wanted to be when I grew up .
She was the best mother in law a girl could ever ask for . She was the best Grammy to her grandkids and great grandkids. Not to mention, an awesome friend to so many , she was kind to whom ever she met , that smile and contagious laugh .. oh She was so fun! For that, I will miss her terribly.
When someone says, God brings people into your life for a reason , a season , or a lifetime . He sure brought a wonderful person into mine . She was someone’s reason , someone’s season and someone’s lifetime , to me and to so many others as well. Always there to lend an ear , a shoulder to cry on or a laugh or two .
She came into my life at the right moment in time . No one will ever take her place in my heart , my memories of her and love. I know in my heart she is laughing with Brenda , grandma and grandpa Patterson and her cousin Louise as the angels sang her a beautiful welcome song and Jesus gave hugs and said, “welcome home , well done “.
So, every time a gentle breeze blows gently across my face , or hear a bird singing a sweet song , the warmth of the sun shining down , or a butterfly fluttering by .I will always think of her and cherish our memories together .
I am so truly blessed to have had her in my life and for that I am grateful .
So, Go rest high on that mountain, until we meet again .

From Jeri Kiefer-Bettge...

Thoughts and prayers to the family. Monty, I’m thinking of you!

From Sharl Spillman...

Doreta was a second Mom to me through school. If I wasn’t at home I was staying with Beth
I have so many fond memories including working her store on Saturday mornings with Beth and Sunday morning church.
Beautiful and Contagious smile with love for everyone.
My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Much love
Sharl Unfred Spillman

From Dan Swartz...

Doreta won the love and affection from everyone she met in her life. Always smiling, always welcoming to all. Her warmth and charm is rare to find, making her passing, heart felt by so many, lucky enough to have known her in their lives. I will always remember her embracing me with open arms into her family. For that I will always be thankful.

From Michael Zimmerman...

Doreta was the best neighbor for thirty years! See made me feel welcome from day one. She was special, she was loving, she made a difference in my life. I will always miss her.

Messages are closed.