Doris Ann Loeppke Lee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025, at age 86. Deeply loved by her family, she leaves a legacy of kindness, love and cherished memories. In her final days, her family surrounded her with gratitude and stories celebrating the remarkable woman she was.
Born on Dec. 4, 1938, to Harold B. and Bernice Smith Loeppke, Doris grew up on a farm near Lakin, where she learned the values of hard work, faith and perseverance, qualities she carried throughout her life. On June 1, 1958, she married the love of her life, L. Eugene “Gene” Lee, in Lakin, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 66 years.
Doris and Gene built their life together on teamwork and unwavering support. In the early years, Doris worked tirelessly to support the family while Gene earned his grain science degree at Kansas State University. Later, Gene encouraged and supported Doris as she pursued her college education at Marymount College in Salina, beginning her studies the same year their youngest son started kindergarten.
A dedicated mother, Doris poured her heart into raising her sons. Whether serving as a Cub Scout den leader, cheering from the sidelines at school events, or offering her steady wisdom and encouragement, she was always their biggest champion. She balanced motherhood with a successful career as an office manager, helping finance her children’s college education. Later, she continued her work as an office manager for a development company that built elderly housing complexes throughout Kansas, approaching every role with dedication and care.
Doris was deeply committed to her community and faith. She was an active member of P.E.O., Eastern Star and Beta Sigma Phi, raising scholarship funds for young women pursuing higher education. In her church in Parsons, she played a vital role in organizing the beloved Festival of Tables, served as church treasurer, and founded a women’s Bible study to support younger women in their spiritual journeys.
She had a natural way of making people feel valued. She never missed an opportunity to send a note of encouragement, a heartfelt thank you, or a birthday card, often with a bit of handwritten wisdom tucked inside. She had a gift for bringing people together, whether by hosting gatherings, supporting friends in times of need, or simply offering a warm and welcoming presence. Her kindness extended especially to children, who were drawn to her gentle spirit and caring nature.
Doris was also known as a true night owl, staying up late to finish projects, write thoughtful letters, or prepare for the next day. Whether it was a last-minute sewing fix, balancing the checkbook, or planning an event, she made sure everything was taken care of, always putting others first.
A devoted Kansas State University sports fan, Doris never gave up on her Wildcats. She cheered them on through every season and even sent notes of encouragement to the coaches, always believing in her team no matter the score. And when they lost, she often believed it was simply because she hadn’t prayed hard enough.
She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Gene Lee; her children, Mark Lee (former spouse, Rebecca “Becky”) and Mitch Lee (Lisa); her grandchildren, Erika Koshar (Nathan), Tracy Lee (Alyssa), Brandon Morris-Lee, Bryce Lee (Sarah), Alexandra Lee and Alan Lee; her great-grandchildren, Sophie Lee, Sadie Lee, Braydon Lee, Emelia Koshar and Endya Koshar; and her sisters, Linda Hoffman (Richard) and Sandra Wanklyn (Mark).
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Daryl Loeppke; and her grandson, Avery Lee.
A celebration of Doris’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Lakin Methodist Church, 310 N. Kansas St., Lakin. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 4, at Garnand Funeral Home, 508 N. Main, Lakin. The service will also be streamed live on Facebook via the Garnand Funeral Home page.
The family suggests memorials to Kearny County Senior Center, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 91, Lakin, KS, 67860.
Doris’s unwavering love, generosity and dedication to faith, family and community will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves this final reminder for those she loved: “When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart. For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.”
