Doris Mae Dodson

Doris Mae Dodson, age 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 8th at Atria Hearthstone.

She was born in Colony, Kansas on July 10th, 1926, daughter of Karr and Flossie Dryden. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School and attended Hutchison Junior College.

Doris worked in the Santa Fe offices from 1944-1948. Later, she was membership secretary at Countryside United Methodist Church for 21 years, retiring in 1991. A member of Countryside for over 60 years, she served on various committees including being coordinator of funeral dinners, a member of Sparkplugs, and the Sanctuary Choir. She also frequently was a volunteer for Let's Help, Doorstep, and The Topeka Rescue Mission.

Doris married Stokes Richard (Dick) Dodson in Oskaloosa, Kansas, on November 20th, 1948. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Argyl Dryden and Marion Dryden, her sisters Wilma Reiling and Edith Murray, her daughter Dena Bullard, and her grandson Christopher Bullard. She is survived by her brother, Everett Dryden of Cedar Rapids, IA, and her sisters, Elma Luthye of Topeka, KS, and Irma Butler of Harveyville, KS.

Other survivors include her daughters Debbie and her husband Orvin Grondahl, Jr. of Topeka, and Julie and her husband Tim Bervert of Auburn, KS. Grandchildren include Jenny Grondahl, Irvine, CA; Brian and Angela Grondahl, Overland Park, KS; Rachael Bullard, Kansas City, MO; Gabe and Rica Bullard, Brianna Bullard, Topeka; Jason and Kyrstin Bervert, Topeka; and Jake and Emillie Bervert, Auburn KS. Great-grandchildren include Isaac, Landon and Mason Grondahl, Annaleigh Bullard, Ella and Lilliana Moore, Max and Tate Bervert, and Amelia and Lucy Bervert.

Funeral services will be held at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS 66611 at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 15th. The family requests that all guests wear masks.

My mother composed this obituary sixteen years ago. I have left it intact, adding only those events occurring post 2006. However, while accurate, I feel this account of Mom's life does not fully portray the woman I knew. Mom was a woman with a deep and abiding faith, who found comfort and strength from her God as well as her church family at Countryside. The matriarch of our family, Mom was our moral compass, our biggest cheerleader no matter how small our accomplishments, and the person we turned to when times were tough. She was a passionate sports fan, cheering especially for the Chiefs, Royals and anything related to Kansas State. She was feisty, ornery, vibrant, classy, and assertive. She often said she had felt loved every moment of her life from the moment she was born. Her hope would be that all of us feel the same.

Penwell Gabel Funeral Home is assisting the family. To leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.