Doraline R. Churchill

Doraline R. Churchill, 103, of Lincoln, NE, formerly of Fairbury, passed away peacefully August 1, 2020 at Southlake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center, Lincoln, NE.  She was born in Palisade, NE. on March 25, 1917, the daughter of Asa and Eugenia Lora Hunt Ridnour.   The family lived in McCook and Palisade during Doraline’s younger years, and in the 1930s, she graduated at the top of her class from Palisade High School.

After high school, Doraline studied at Kearney State College, the University of Nebraska, and at Lincoln General Hospital, where she trained as a medical lab technician.   She then took a job at the Lynch Clinic in Fairbury and met Charles E. Churchill, Jr. a young postal worker.   Charles courted Doraline by periodically sending flowers to her at the clinic.   He and Doraline married on February 3, 1940, and she then left her job at the clinic to raise their four children.

The Churchills lived in Fairbury most of their married life.  Charles worked at the post office for nearly 50 years, concluding his career as the postmaster, while Doraline managed the household and children.   They were very active members of the community until Charles died in 2005.

Doraline was active in the United Methodist Church Ladies’ Circle, and was a Girl Scout leader when her children were small.  She also belonged to the Eastern Star, Lioness Club, and a local investment club.  She enjoyed her Bridge clubs, raised beautiful flowers, and was known for her great cooking.  Continuing to draw on her medical training, Doraline regularly volunteered at the community blood mobile and immunization clinic in Fairbury.

The Churchills loved to travel and were life-long learners.  They went on many adventures throughout the United States and Canada in their RV.  The camper was always ready for the next trip, whether a weekend trek or a longer excursion.   Each year, when the Churchill children were young, the entire family traveled back to Palisade to visit the Hunt side of the family.  In later years, the grandkids went with Doraline and Charles on some camping and fishing trips.

Doraline was very family oriented, and proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She remained interested and engaged in what was going on in their lives throughout her lifetime.

Doraline was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, son Randolph Charles Churchill of Acworth, Georgia, and her brother Gerald John Ridnour of Kansas City, Missouri.  She is survived by daughters Valerie (James) Kuehn, Lincoln; Janis (Thomas) Mitchell, Crete; and Deborah (Gregory) Eitzmann, Republic, Kansas.  The following eight grandchildren also survive her: Barrett Reed Greeness, David Churchill, Jennifer (Nathanial) Reisdorff, Timothy (Sherri) Mitchell, Heath (Joanna) Eitzmann, Laura (Terry) Tuma, Michael (Jenny) Eitzmann, and Jeffery (Marja) Eitzmann.  Step-grandchildren Kimberly Hudak and Jami (Chris) Petersen also mourn her loss.

Doraline was blessed with 12 great grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren.  They are: Mabel Reisdorff; Ella, Carson, and Tyler Mitchell; Avery and Addison Eitzmann; Abbi, Landyn, and Gage Tuma; Olivia, Carter, and Hudson Eitzmann; Colton Tuma, Keleigh Ketelhut, and Owen, Elli, and Ansli Petersen.

In September 2011, Doraline moved to a retirement center in Lincoln to be closer to family members. She had a long, happy, active, and productive life, and she will be dearly missed by all.

Graveside Services will be Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fairbury Cemetery with Pastor Victor Peterson officiating.  Viewing will be Wednesday from 1 - 9 at the Funeral Home and Thursday morning until 10:15 prior to the service. Masks are recommended.  Memorials will go to the Methodist Church of Aseracare Hospice.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com