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- Doris Louise (Buss) Leland, 90, of Arkansas City, passed away peacefully in her home Thursday morning (November 20, 2008). She had been declining since the sudden death of her son Keith on May 3, 2008. Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (November 25, 2008) at the First Baptist Church. Private family interment services will be held at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home 4-7 p.m. on Monday.
Doris was born November 2, 1918 in Udall to Lewis Hinrichs and Amy Margaret (Royse) Buss. She attended rural schools, graduating from Winfield High School in 1935, from Arkansas City Junior College (Cowley College) in 1937. Doris married Harold B. Leland on June 13, 1937 in Pittsburg, Kansas. She commented on what a devoted son he was, since he wrote his mother that very evening. Four children were born to this couple; Gary (1938), Keith (1943), Carolyn (1945), and Shari (1965). Doris completed her education in 1971 graduating from Southwestern College of Winfield. In 1943, Doris and Harold moved to 511 North C, where she lived until her death. In about 1945, Doris began giving blood and at last count had given over 190 pints, and according to the American Red Cross would have assisted nearly 600 individuals.
Doris worked at the Singer Sewing Machine Company becoming the "Sewing Lady". She taught many woman and girls how to sew and made belts, buttons, put in zippers and still found time to meet her personal quota of one garment a week for her family.
In 1935, Doris became affiliated with First Baptist Church of Arkansas City and continued her dedication until her death. She was recognized for over 65 years of working with the Sunday schools and over 70 years in her activities with the women's work in August and November of 2008 respectfully.
After Harold's death in 1984, Doris became an active babysitter. She cared for many children in home encouraging each of them to be independent and to love learning. Doris continued to read to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren until very recently. She believed that continuing to learn was the secret to being connected to people of all ages. Doris was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all, never meeting a stranger. She will be missed, but remembered by all who knew her.
Doris is survived by a son Gary Leland of Wichita; daughter-in-law Carol Leland also of Wichita; two daughters Carolyn Wilson of the home; Shari and her husband Doug Kennedy of Derby; a brother Harlan Buss of Claymont Delaware; grandsons, John and his wife Trish Wilson of Winfield, Kevin Leland, Michael and wife Selene Leland of Wichita, granddaughters Laurel and husband Chad Edwards of Wichita, Darlene and husband Mitch Richele of Arkansas City, Amy Wilson of Lawrence, and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; son, Keith; sisters Irene Snell and Margaret Simon; and a brother Robert Buss.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to First Baptist Church for a scholarship in Doris' memory. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
Arrangements are being made through Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. [1]
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