Dora George

Dora Alice Darmstatter George, 88, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born May 19, 1922, in Longford, Kansas, to Fred and Laura Darmstatter. Dora died December 5, 2010, in Junction City at Valley View Senior Life Center after several months of deteriorating health issues. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister Marguerite and sister Melba Pauli. She is survived by her husband of 66 years Max A. George, children Sharon (Joel) Kriss of Manhattan, Doug (Leslie) George of Conway, Arkansas, Ann (Justin) Hoover of Junction City, grandchildren, Joel L.(Dawn) Kriss, Kristy (Todd) Lowe, Matt, Alex, & Dani Hoover and great-granddaughters Kelsey and Kenzie Kriss and Evelyn Lowe as well as a host of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Dora graduated from Longford High School with an enduring love for music, church, and family. After a training course she taught in a one room school house while Max was serving in the Army. On April 9, 1944, Dora and Max were united in marriage. Shortly after exchanging their vows Dora contracted tuberculosis and spent the first two years of their marriage in the Norton Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Upon release they moved to Junction City for two years and then to Colby, Kansas, where they raised their family and spent their remaining years until recently moving back to Junction City.

Dora spent much of her spare time volunteering and working for the Colby United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. There wasn't a job over the years that she didn't willingly volunteer for. She loved arts and crafts and was in charge of the local Bloodmobile for many years. Her enthusiasm for whatever job she undertook was a joy to behold. She also took great joy in all the activities that her children and grandchildren were involved in whether it was music or sports. It didn't matter whether they were two or sixty-two, she was there to show her support and love. Extended family gatherings of the Georges and Paulis were always a highlight in Dora's life. Whether she was being Mrs. Claus handing out cookies at Santa City or helping Max around the house and yard, her joy for life was a shining example for those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 9, 2010, with Reverend Marshall Stanton officiating at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington, Junction City, KS. No visitation is planned. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Keystone Cemetery near Longford, KS. A Memorial Service will be held at a later time in Colby. Memorials may be made to Colby United Methodist Church or the Citizens Foundation and left in care of Penwell-Gabel or at any bank in Colby.