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.
