Doris Nordyke

DORIS MARIE NORDYKE

Richland

Doris Marie Nordyke, 87,

of Richland, died Sunday morning, Feb. 20, 2022, at Manor House in Sigourney.

She and her twin sister, Dorothy, were born on Jan. 31, 1935, north of Brighton, near Sandyhook, the daughter of Daniel Adam and Laura Esther Ritter Guy. Their parents instilled early the concept of dressing like twins, which they always did on special occasion, even the last few days of their lives. She grew up near Brighton, graduated from Brighton High School in 1953 and was awarded the Outstanding Nursing Graduate from Burlington's Mercy Hospital Nurses Training in 1955 as a registered nurse. Doris married Kenneth Nordyke in Brighton on Sept. 1, 1956, and lived all her married life near Richland. She worked in the Fairfield Hospital and was the first Jefferson County hospice nurse. Doris was a hands-on farm wife, who loved and cared for their many farm animals daily. She was an active 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher at Woolson Friends Church, where she was a life-long member, and member of several women's clubs through the years. They enjoyed square dancing; even hosting a square dance on their farm. Doris took pleasure in gardening, swimming, quilting and crocheting. Kenneth and Doris looked forward to their warm winter months in Alamo, Texas, after retiring from farming.

She enjoyed traveling including trips to Germany to visit their foreign exchange student and playing cards. Doris made thousands of donuts from scratch to share with hundreds of others. Doris was the best example of someone who could multi-task. She strived to make people laugh and had a great sense of humor even in her last few days. She was creative in many ways and took pleasure in pulling off a good prank or joke. Her love for family, neighbors and friends far and near was proven everyday of her life.

Left to share her story is her husband, Kenneth; and children, Judy Jackson (Verl) of Hedrick, Janet Conger (Larry) of Linby, Laurie Bennett (Dave) of Richland and Alan Nordyke (Ann) of Lee's Summit, Mo.; and the foreign exchange student they hosted, Barbara Stabenow (Sepp) of Mannheim, Germany; grandchildren, Scott Jackson, Jill Harman (Travis), Jason (Shelly), Lee (Sara) Conger, Adam Bennett, Alex Bennett (Skylar), Austin Bennett (Peyton), Avery Bennett (Danielle), Laura Boland (Andy) and Andrew Nordyke (Sarah), 14 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harold, Donald and Kenneth Guy; and her twin sister, Dorothy Hollingsworth, who passed away just one week prior.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Woolson Friends Church, south of Richland, with Pastors Jerry Hoover, Mark Clark and Frosty VanVoorst. Burial will be in the Richland Friends Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials in her honor will made to the Jefferson County Health Care Auxiliary Scholarship or Woolson Friends Church may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 13223 Competine Rd., Hedrick, IA 52563. Gould Funeral Home of Richland is in charge of arrangements.