Doris Shay

Derby - Shay, Doris A. age 64, passed away April 28, 2018. A Funeral will be held 10AM Thursday, May 3rd at Smith Mortuary - Derby, 1415 N. Rock Rd. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kevin Shay; parents, Gerald and Darlene Atherton. Doris is survived by her siblings, Steven Atherton, Dennis Atherton, Marsha (Jim) Mason, Anita (Mike) Beck, Darryl Atherton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is with the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St. Wichita, Kansas 67219.

Doris’s passing leaves a big hole in her family – relations and extended friends. Even if you didn’t know Doris, you wouldn’t help but recognize the sweetness that shone through. “Sweet” is the first word most people use to describe her. She had a gentle, caring nature fueled by spirituality, not only for her “children” (the pets), for family and friends as well as strangers. If a person had a need, Doris was always lending a helping hand in whatever capacity she could.

Doris worked 37 years at Boeing/Spirit and for quite a few of those sitting at the front receptionist desk in the executive administrative building as the face of the company. Prior to that, she did a small stint in an insurance agency after graduating from Maize High in 1971. She met her much-missed husband, Kevin, at that agency. His death preceded hers by 1 year and 20 days.

Doris had many interests and it was fun watching her start to experience new things. She took such joy in her pursuits although homemaking skills were her passion. A fantastic cook, she contributed to adding more than a few pounds to those lucky enough to experience feasting on her and Kevin’s BBQ, her holiday dishes and family meals. She had great style exhibited by her lovely home that was always decorated for the holidays. She had recently taken cross-stitch back up and her beautiful handiwork will be a legacy.

Doris loved bowling and this past year was able to join a league. It is unfortunate that she had to miss the last game of the season and will not be present to receive her awards. Besides the team managing to hold onto its first place standing without her (we feel in part to Doris’s divine assistance), she won for being on the first place team, the most improved bowler and third highest handicap series. Since she won’t be present to be recognized, we want to recognize her accomplishments here…not too bad for someone who hadn’t bowled in decades.

Doris is much loved by her family and those who know her. It is hard to understand God’s plan in such circumstances as these where she passed so quickly and unexpectedly, but we do know our loss is heaven’s gain. Sunday morning, after Doris’s passing, there was a rainbow centered over her house – even though it was dry outside and had not rained. So we look upon that as affirmation that Doris was smiling down and sending a message that all is well with her now. May God bless her.