Doris E. (Novak) White

LINCOLN

  Doris E. White, 96, of Lincoln, Kan., died at Hays Medical Center on October 25, 2025. She was born in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, on November 3, 1928, to the late Joseph and Thelma (Loy) Novak. Doris married Bob White in 1990 and enjoyed a fulfilling life together until his passing in 2024.

  After graduating from Sylvan High School in 1946, she studied Business at Brown Mackie College on a scholarship – a rare feat at the time. She then made her home in Lincoln, KS, after marrying Ralph Larsen and having three children, Donna, Nancy, and Rodney.

  Doris served Lincoln County her entire life. Earlier in life, she managed accounts for the local grocery store and was proud to have been one of the first female bus drivers in town. Most notably, she served in elected positions for over 20 years as the Lincoln County Treasurer and County Clerk. She was elected President of the Kansas County Treasurer’s Association (chosen among 105 County Treasurers), Chair of the Lincoln County Republican Party, a member of the Lincoln Housing Authority, and a member of the Central Kansas Library and Mental Health boards.  She was also active in Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile, where she served as Temple President.

  Doris lived an active social life. She was an exceptional bowler, having competed nationally and won many trophies. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, Garfield comics, the Oak Ridge Boys, her cats, fuzzy navels, the Kentucky Derby, KU basketball, cooking (making rum cake in particular), and watersports (including riding jet skis well into her 90s). She was a force of intelligence, fun, curiosity, and unwavering love for her family. She showed up to every event for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Grandma Doris was always there. Her legacy was ensuring that all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew they were the most important people in the world to her. She remained tech-savvy throughout the years and texted and messaged her family to tell them how much she loved them and how proud she was.

  Doris was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Heitsman. Left to cherish her memory are two children: Nancy (Ken) Marihugh of Esbon, and Rodney (Melodee) Larsen of Lincoln; nine grandchildren – Michelle, Teryl, Jason, Andrea, Harmonee, Heather, Hillary, Erik, and Aaron; 10 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

  Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Hall Chapel, Lincoln with family present to greet visitors.

  Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2025 at Hall Chapel with burial following at Lincoln Cemetery.

  In lieu of plants and flowers, the family prefers you consider a donation in her memory to the Lincoln County Historical Society, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.

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