Doris Smithheisler Larson was born Sept. 27, 1931 to Myrtle and John Smithheisler in Florence, Kansas. Her family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Doris graduated from East High School. Doris was married to Aaron Loder 1949-1975. She married Stan Larson in 1988. He adored her and set out to show her the world through travel. After Doris retired from Wichita Board of Education, they moved to a golf community in Tucson, Arizona. In 2006, Doris and Stan moved to Decatur to be near family. Doris was passionate about staying busy, exercise, and helping others. She enjoyed volunteering at church and knitting for those in need. You could find Doris learning to water ski at age 69, in a foot race with a six year old great-grandchild on her 78th birthday, or sewing 100 aprons for Junior League of Morgan County.
We are so grateful for the wonderful care Doris received from Westminster Assisted Living, Riverside Senior Living, and Hospice of the Valley. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in her name to Hospice of the Valley, 240 Johnston Street, Decatur, AL 35601.
Visitation will be Monday, June 5, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, (Evelyn Merle) and her husband, Stan. She is survived by her sisters, Wilma Pearce of Salina, Kansas and Ruther Winter of Wichita, Kansas; her three children, Becky (Harold) Rieniets of Decatur, Bruce (Linda) Loder of San Antonio and Carl Loder of Wichita, Kansas. She is also survived by five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
