Doris Sly

Doris Mae Sly (Schlesener), 93, of rural Hope, Kansas, passed peacefully at home on November 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 30, 1932 to August and Martha Schlesener, on her family’s farmstead in rural Hope, with siblings Marvin, Burma, Lila, Joyce, and Phyllis. She graduated in 1950 from Chapman High School, and spent her entire life in the Hope and Herington communities she cherished. On February 15, 1957, Doris married O.J. Sly. Together they built a life grounded in hard work. They welcomed twin sons, Kirk and Kent, in 1961, and Doris later became the proud grandmother of four granddaughters—Alysha, Taylor, Katelyn, and Kelci—who were blessed to be raised with her steady presence, her warm smile, and her boundless support. Doris worked for many years as a CNA at Herington Municipal Hospital, caring for others with the same quiet strength, compassion, and resilience she carried throughout her life. A true farm woman at heart, she found joy in working cattle, driving her beloved blue and white Ford tractor, mowing, weeding, chopping thistles, and tending her many gardens. Her happiest days were spent outdoors with sun on her shoulders or surrounded by family. She was known for being tough. Whether it was a fishing lure in her forearm, a wire through her finger, or even her coveralls catching fire by the propane heater in the barn, Doris never complained. Not once. Instead, she faced every challenge with a smile, a laugh, and an unshakable spirit. Doris loved fishing trips, bus tours with friends, and hosting and attending card parties. She was an active member of the EHU in Herington and enjoyed a post-retirement job at the Family Resource Exchange Store, where she continued to give back to her community. She also loved polka dancing, especially to “Mollie B,” and she attended every event, birthday, and holiday for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her loyalty, presence, and joy will be deeply missed. She is preceded in death by her parents August and Martha, husband O.J., siblings Marvin, Burma, and Lila, nephews Ronnie, Rory, and James, and grandson in-law Lucas.Doris leaves behind a family who adored her: her sons, Kirk Sly and Kent Sly; her four granddaughters Alysha, Taylor (Brennon), Katelyn (Jordan), and Kelci; great-grandchildren, Madisyn, Kyley, Gentry, Rory, Brooks, Maesa, Walker, Ryen, Colter. Sisters, Phyllis and Joyce; and other extended family and many many friends. She leaves a legacy of love, strength, and a lifetime of showing up for the people and places she cared for most.Her family takes comfort knowing that she lived her life fully, happily, and in the place she loved—home. A graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 25 at Sunset Hill Cemetery followed by meal at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Herington, KS .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dickinson County Home Health and Hospice, Family Resource Exchange, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church.