Doris M. McReynolds

Doris M. (Woolley) McReynolds was born on the family farm in rural Osborne County, Kansas, on November 8, 1932. She was the 4th of 6 girls born to Laurence and Nora (Cox) Woolley.

She attended the Osborne schools, graduating from high school in 1951. During her high school years, she was awarded the State Homemaker Award. She attended Kansas State University for 1 year before beginning her long career as a nanny/day-care provider.

She married Donald McReynolds on August 15, 1954, at the United Church in Osborne, Kansas. She was awarded the P.H.T. (Putting Hubby Through) and DVMMRS honorary degrees from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine for working while Don completed his Veterinary degree.

She and Don moved to Chanute in 1958 after spending 2 years in California while he was serving his country in the military. The move to Chanute was due to Don and his college classmate, Dr. Bill La Rue, starting a veterinary practice.

She was Mom to twin daughters Susan and Sandi, son Douglas, and to daughter Elizabeth (Betsy).

She was a Day-Care provider for over 54 years and even provided day-care for multiple generations. Through the years, she cared for over 350 children from over 175 families. She loved every day-care child, and her passion was for babies.

She enjoyed camping, walking, and talking, and her dog and 4 pet cats. She also enjoyed playing checkers and ping pong at Kansas State Wesley Foundation, where she met Don.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Chanute and taught Sunday School in the children’s department for over 20 years. She served as president of the Church Women’s Society, served on the Administrative Board of the church, and on several committees. She was also active in Girl Scouts leadership while her girls were active members.

Doris was a loving wife and mother. She was always there to give a helping hand to her children and her husband.

She was a long-time survivor of breast cancer, having been diagnosed in October 1988.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 sisters, Madonna Wilson, Ramona Ruggles, and Mary Ford.

Survivors include her husband, Don of the home and their children; Susan (Robbie) Menees, Sandi (Russell) Lingerfelt, Douglas (Mindy) McReynolds, and Elizabeth (Brett) Barney, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are 2 sisters: Lola Roberts and Anita Jenkins.

Memorials may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Chanute Christmas Children's Clothing Project.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Avenue, Chanute, Kansas 66720.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will take place Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Avenue, Chanute, Kansas 66720.