Doris Jean Dougherty, 88, of Sumner, Missouri, where she made her home for more than 65 years, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Doris was born on June 6, 1938, in Brookfield, Missouri, the daughter of Frank and Iva Lee (Slater) Povlovich. She graduated from Brookfield High School with the Class of 1956. On July 29, 1956, she married the love of her life, John Henry Dougherty. Together they moved to Sumner to begin a life centered on faith, family, and farming. John preceded her in death on September 22, 2015, after suffering a stroke while driving a truck. Following his passing, Doris continued living on the family farm on Lakeside Drive, a place she dearly loved.
While John farmed, Doris devoted herself to being a homemaker and raising their three children, Sondra, Gregory, and Kurt. She was much more than a homemaker, however, as she worked alongside John on the farm by managing the family’s financial records and bookkeeping. She took great pride in maintaining a large vegetable garden, strawberry patch, and beautiful flower beds each year. She also lovingly cared for the family’s pecan grove, where she harvested, cracked, and sold pecans at festivals throughout the area.
Doris was a faithful member of the Sumner United Methodist Church. Her church family was an important part of her life, and she generously shared her time by teaching Sunday school, helping with the after-school program, driving children to Vacation Bible School, and helping build the church float for the annual Goose Festival Parade. She was also an active member of the United Methodist Women and served as a regional librarian for the organization. Always willing to help others succeed, Doris encouraged many aspiring business owners and often taught them how to keep their financial records and books.
Doris and John shared a love of travel and treasured adventures together, including memorable trips to Alaska and Hawaii, where they made lifelong friends. Their greatest joy, however, was making memories with their family. They enjoyed vacations to Six Flags Over Texas and countless trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, where their children spent summers swimming and water skiing. After purchasing a camper, they enjoyed many camping adventures with family and friends. Doris especially loved fishing and found great joy in teaching many of her grandchildren how to fish, creating memories they will cherish for a lifetime.
Above all else, Doris treasured her family. Her love, generosity, steady guidance, and servant’s heart touched the lives of everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, kindness, and unconditional love that will continue through the generations she helped shape.
She is survived by her three children, Sondra Wilson of Waverly, Missouri, Greg Dougherty of Sumner, Missouri, and Kurt Dougherty and wife Becky of Brookfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Laura Hastings, Karissa Frizzell and husband Jason, Eric Dougherty and wife Mallory, Anna Dougherty, Joshua Dougherty and wife Arial, and Jacob Dougherty; nine great-grandchildren, Kaytlin Rogers and husband Landon, Julia Hastings, Allison Hastings, Madison Frizzell, Logan Frizzell, Eric Dougherty, Anna Dougherty, Jolee Dougherty, and two additional great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia and Sharon; one brother, Joe; several nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, John Henry Dougherty; and one brother, Jimmy.
Funeral services will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Wright Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Littrell officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery in Sumner, Missouri. Memorial contributions are suggested to Lakeside Cemetery.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
