Doris Hess Hansen

Doris "Doe" Hess Hansen, 92, of Prairie Village, KS passed away peacefully on May 17, 2021.

Doris was born in Lincoln, NE, and later moved to Kansas, where she met the love of her life, John "Jack" Hansen. They married on July 4, 1947, and had four children: Jackie (Don) Pellow; Steve (Kristin) Hansen; Diana (Riki) Aulgur; and Nancy (Kevin) Jones. Family was always a top priority, and Doris was very proud of her 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends that were welcomed as family.

Doris' career started as a medical secretary to five psychiatric doctors at the VA Hospital in Wadsworth, KS before she moved to Kansas City and worked as the private secretary to the Notions Buyer at H. D Lee Mercantile Company. Later when Jack started Hansen Gold and Ceramic Dental Laboratory, she was the bookkeeper and helped in other areas where needed as both the business and their family grew.

She and Jack traveled all the United States except for Alaska, as well as fourteen countries and seven islands. Besides traveling, Doris loved working on genealogy, crafting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, ceramics, making porcelain dolls, and working in her yard.

When reflecting upon her life, those closest to her most describe Doe's generosity and humor, along with her strong sense of family pride and loyalty. She was interested in all things and all people, always empathetic to others.

Her lifelong Patriotism was shown early, when winning a high school essay contest. Her children also describe learning from her that strength of character comes from within, best shown by making responsible choices, and by living peacefully and respectfully. She believed that no human is better than another, and that all are bound by the Golden Rule. She taught by her example, the importance of kindness and patience, and of always sharing with others.

While diligent in getting things done, and a friend of hard work, Doris LOVED LIFE! Nothing was more enjoyable for her than spending time with her husband and family/friends…playing cards, eating, traveling and laughing. Everyone she met was a potential new friend. And she loved music! Singing, playing her piano or listening to beautiful Church hymns and crooners of the 40's, 50's, and 60's were some of her favorite leisure activities. Many have said of her that all who knew her loved her. She was dearly treasured by her children, grandchildren, special nieces and nephews, and close friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John Hansen, her parents, Charles and Evelyn Hess, her siblings Donna Miller (Clarence), Charles "Vern" Hess (Betty) and Wayne Hess (Sharon)

Doris was a member of Cure of Ars Church in Leawood, KS for many years. She requested cremation with private family burial at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. A private reception and celebration of her life will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, Doris requested memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.




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