Doris M. Greene

Doris M. Greene, 94, of Topeka, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Brewster Place in Topeka. She was born January 10, 1928, in Oskaloosa, Kansas, the daughter of Earl Henry and Edna Winifred (Hunn) Montgomery. Doris attended school in Valley Falls, Kansas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dusty, and her three siblings, Lloyd (Russell) Montgomery, Ted Montgomery, and Dorothy Schneider.

Doris married Dusty Greene on Valentine's Day in 1948 in Valley Falls. They spent the next few years traveling and enjoying time with each other and moved from Valley Falls to Topeka. They both studied at Clark's Business School and started their family.

Doris was proud of her family. Doris and Dusty's firstborn is Kelly (Steve) Neske of Topeka. Kelly's children are Tisha (Josh) Zamrzla and Krista Neske. Tisha is the mother of her great-grandchild, Sophie.

A few years after Kelly was born, mom and dad brought another daughter into the family, Kandis (Jerry) Barker of Topeka. Kandy and Jerry raised two children, Elise Barker (Chris Elston), Pocatello, ID, and Regina Barker (Jon Herl), Lawrence, KS. Elise and Chris brought great-grandchildren Sam and Naomi to the clan.

Russell T. "Rusty" Greene of Topeka was the final addition to the Greene family. Rusty and his wife Debe brought two more of Doris' grandchildren into the family. Travis Greene and Rebecca (Greene) Jarvis. Travis and his wife Jill contributed three boys to the list of great-grandkids, Jameson, Judson, and Jackson. Becky and her husband, Jeris, added Berkley and Braylee to the family tree.

Doris loved family gatherings. She would often start tap-dancing or playing the trumpet and kept the family gatherings fun for all ages. She enjoyed being on the receiving end of the never-ending teasing by Dusty. As the grandchildren matured, Dusty and Doris' family expanded to eight great-grandchildren.

Doris was employed by various government agencies, including the Kansas Legislature and Shawnee County Court system. She worked for former Governor Robert Docking as Cedar Crest's Social Secretary from 1965 to 1975. Her success was driven by responsibility, sincerity, organizational skills, and a desire to serve.

Doris was involved in many activities. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter A.J. since 1972, reaching Golden Status. She was a past member of the Kaw Valley Bicycle and Touring Club and enjoyed adventures, including Biking Across Kansas. Doris and Dusty volunteered their time to teach tap dance to residents at the Topeka State Hospital. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a volunteer at the Topeka Girls Club. She was a Methodist Youth Fellowship Counselor.

Doris and Dusty did everything together, including relocating to Brewster Place during their twilight years. They settled into independent living, where they reunited with many old friends from the Topeka community. Unfortunately, like Dusty, Doris began suffering the effects of dementia and declining physical health. She moved into the Brewster Health Center after her beloved Dusty passed away in 2019.

Even with the challenges that come with her advanced age, she always declared, "I'm content." Doris frequently offered to adopt her caregivers. Doris began a rapid decline and passed away peacefully shortly after midnight on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Doris and her family will be eternally grateful to the staff at Brewster, Elara Hospice, and LaDonna Andritsch for their gentle and respectful care.

A celebration of Doris' life will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2 PM at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 Burlingame Road. Please use the south parking lot and enter through Entrance 6.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Elara Caring Hospice, 901 NE River Road Topeka, Kansas 66616.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with arrangements.

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