Dorris Ellen Brant

Dorris Ellen Stapleton Brant, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for learning and service, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas, at the age of 92.
Born on January 21, 1933, in Southard, Missouri, Dorris lived a life of dedication to education, civic engagement, and family. She earned both her Bachelor's (1954) and Master of Science (1956) degrees from the University of Wichita, Kansas. Her early career in science included positions as a bacteriologist at Hyde Park (Borden) Dairy and as an assistant bacteriologist for the Wichita/Sedgwick County Department of Public Health.
Dorris found her true calling in education, serving as a music educator in Unified School District 382 in Pratt, Kansas, from 1966 until her retirement in 1996. Her commitment to education extended far beyond the classroom through her involvement with Delta Kappa Gamma Society, where she held numerous leadership roles at the chapter and state level, including Kansas State president, Chair of the International Travel Study committee and long-term member of the nominating committee.
An active figure in community development, Dorris served as president of the Pratt Regional Medical Center Auxiliary and played influential roles in the Kansas Farm Bureau Youth Seminar and the Pratt County 4-H program. Her civic spirit also included deep engagement with the Republican Party and numerous women's organizations, including the American Association of University Women and the National Association of Parliamentarians. She belonged to the Pratt Music Club for over four decades, reflecting her lifelong devotion to the arts. A gifted musician and passionate hobbyist, Dorris loved reading, gardening, ice skating (especially figure skating), and cooking.
She met James Chesney Brant, when they were both members of the a cappella choir at Wichita State University, and they were married on September 1, 1953. She is preceded in death by her mother Sylvia, husband James & son-in-law Randy Betzen. She is survived by her daughters Solveig Brant (spouse Jon Faubion) and Sonja Betzen, grandchildren Joy Betzen, Jennifer Betzen, sister Marcia Jacobs, numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and strength lives on in the countless lives she touched.
A memorial service celebrating her remarkable life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Sawyer United Methodist Church in Sawyer, Kansas, followed by graveside services at Ellenwood Cemetery. All who knew and loved Dorris are welcome to attend and honor her enduring spirit.
Memorial contributions in memory of Dorris may be made to Delta Kappa Gamma Golden Gift Fund or the Pratt County Fair Association. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.