Doris Helen Bauer, age 103, of North Platte, NE, went to Heaven in her sleep on Friday, February 28, 2014, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.
Doris was the second of four children born to Amos R.Ellsworth, a rural mail carrier, and Ella Evans Ellsworth. She was born November 12, 1910, at Hershey, NE where she was raised with her sister, Ferne, and brother, Richard “Dick”. Doris’ sister, Grace, passed away as a small child.
When she was young, Doris was a Campfire Girl in Hershey and later lead a group in North Platte. Doris was secretary of her senior class and graduated from Hershey High School in 1929. Doris and Ferne always remained in contact with their classmates and those of their brother.
On November 2, 1933, Doris married Joseph Andrew Bauer of Ravenna, NE in North Platte. They lived in North Platte and Doris stayed in her home until she was 101 years old. Family was important to Doris and Joe and they opened their home to others when they needed a place to stay. They also loved dancing; it was the most fun they ever had. They belonged to the Winter Dance Club and traveled all over to attend dances with their friends.
In time Doris and Joe began to visit the Batie Family’s Rustic Cabin in Glen Haven, CO. They stayed for their vacations enjoying the cabin’s swinging bridge, screened-in porch and old-fashioned kitchen. They loved Glen Haven so much they eventually decided to go “up the mountain” and purchased their own mountain home. Friends, family and even Doris’ parents would come see them for an afternoon, a day or an overnighter. The beauty of their outdoor life was very special to Doris.
Doris was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church. She was baptized at the Hershey Presbyterian Church which she attended until the pastor retired and the church closed. Doris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte for 68 years and was the oldest member. She taught Sunday School, was active in Church Circle and other activities.
Doris also belonged to the “Pink Ladies”, BPOE Does and Lady Engineers. She loved to be with people and be “on the go” no matter what the weather. Doris loved knitting, crocheting, painting ceramics and was known for her homemade toffee and chili sauce.
Bridge was Doris’ game. She always belonged to several bridge clubs and played until she was nearly 100. She also loved bowling, card games, board games and solving difficult crossword puzzles. She enjoyed reading and sharing books with friends. Doris loved Nebraska Volleyball and the Hershey Panthers. She went to all the games at Bill Wood Field and liked going to the stock car races.
Doris was affectionately known as “Dodo” and will be missed by her nephews, Stan (Carol) Ellsworth, of Hugo, CO and Larry Besack, of Greeley, CO; great-nieces, Cheryl, Becky and Christine, all of Colorado; a great-nephew, Jim Besack; great great-nephews, Zack and Matthew; a great great-niece, Sarah; her special cousin, Pat Evans (Ernie) Schuster, of Hershey, and their daughters, Sara Jo Schuster, of Kansas City, MO and Stefani Schuster and her daughter, Lily, of Kearney, NE; and other family and many friends.
Those who have gone before Doris include her husband, Joe; grandparents, Aaron J. and Meldia J. Evans and Joseph R. and Eliza Ellsworth; her parents, Amos and Ella Ellsworth; sisters, Grace Ellsworth and Ferne (Fritz) Besack; and a brother, Richard (Florence) Ellsworth.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Polly K. Deppen-Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or the donor’s choice.
