Delores Doherty

Delores Doherty

Delores Doherty, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully Tuesday Morning, Nov. 11, 2014 at the Fort Scott Manor. She was born on the Fourth of July, 1922 in Colton, S.D., the daughter of Andrew Tobias and Josephine (Haugse) Walker. She married Bernard John Doherty on May 10, 1941 in Sioux Falls, S.D. He preceded her in death April 7, 1983.

Delores was always proud that she was 100 percent Norwegian and that she was born on Independence Day. She was the busiest of moms, but was known for helping her neighbors. She did her part in integrating the swimming pool, worked for the American Cancer Society for several years, and was a member of the VFW. She also helped with all the elections. Delores was also able to run back and forth to see four boys play ball at different fields. She was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church until her illness, and she volunteered at Fort Scott Manor playing bingo, "helping the old people" until she was 83 years old.

Many have asked what made her a good mom. Somehow she managed to make three large meals every day, the laundry was always done, and the house was always vacuumed. She also fed any friends of her children that seemed to drop in at meal time... There were always extra people who showed up at Christmas that wanted to be a part of the chaos. The one thing she loved that her children did not was lutefisk, which is cod fish soaked in lye, and a Christmas tradition.

Delores was always busy. She even swept the street in front of her house. She gave her children the love of reading and staying interested in current events. She subscribed to seven newspapers and several magazines.

She is survived by her children Judith Maura and husband Larry of Nassau Bahamas, Darlene Doherty, Margaret Humphrey and husband Merl, Barbara Woodward, all of Fort Scott, Dan Doherty and wife Marie of Fulton, Kan., Don Doherty and wife Roxie, Steve Doherty and Brian Doherty, also all of Fort Scott, Kan., Denise Brezik and husband Dave, of Mountainside, N.J., and Michelle Youngdoff of Overland Park, Kan. She is also survived by 36 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Bernard, Delores was also preceded in death by her parents; her son Edward Doherty; her sisters, Ruby Reyelts, Helen Jones, and Louise Walker; her brothers, James Walker, Adrian Walker, and Donald Walker; great-grandson Elijah Doherty, and great-granddaughter Maggie AnnMarie Daly.

Pastor Stephen Sweyko will conduct funeral services 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 at the Trinity Lutheran Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with interment following at the St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening, Nov. 14, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mary Queen of Angels, or St. Mary's School and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.