It is with sadness that we announce the death of Doris Bailey Kirby Sorteberg, who passed away on March 15, 2015. Shortly after a joyous celebration of her 100th birthday she fell and broke her hip, spending the last couple of months at Logan Nursing and Rehab, where she quietly slipped away.
Doris was born Dec. 20, 1914, to Mary Elizabeth Kilfoyle Smith and William Adamson Bailey. She spent most of her life in Wellsville surrounded by the beautiful mountains and many friends and family. She married Evan Kirby and had four loving children: LaMar Kirby, Raeola Holton, John (Cheryl) Kirby and Dwight (Joann) Kirby. After a divorce, she later married Edwin "Red" Sorteberg and was blessed with another daughter, Lesa (Jeff) Peterson.
She was born in the horse and buggy days when the zipper was a new-fangled gizmo. Babies were born at home, swings were made of rope, there were cows to milk and fields of sugar beets to tend to. She squashed mice that ran up her legs and teased snakes until one bit her on the knuckle. Saying, "It was hard in those days … we were taught to work hard and to respect others." She learned to work hard on the family farm, remembering long-ago days when towns worked together and helped each other.
She was an amazing lady with incredible independence. Doris retired from Hill Air Force Base and cared for herself past the age of 100. Loved by all, she retained a great sense of humor, loved to share stories and especially loved a good laugh. Most days found her surrounded by loved ones who enjoyed sharing meals, pictures, stories and news; not to mention their new-fangled gizmos at which she would ooh and aah. Doris, we love you and will miss you. Goodbye, until we meet again.
She is survived by her five children, 21 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; all her siblings (Margaret, Oliver, Sylvia, William, Mary, Reta, Ora, Joan, Baby (no name), Fredrick and Reid).
Our many thanks to Logan Nursing and Rehab and Dignity Home Health and Hospice for such kind and gentle care.
SERVICES will be Friday, March 20, 2015, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary on Center Street in Logan on Friday, March 20, per Doris' wishes. Viewing 10-10:45 a.m., with a short service at 11 a.m. for her close friends and family. Interment will be at the Wellsville cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to
www.allenmortuaries.net
. Sympathy cards may be mailed to Lesa Peterson, 193 N. 400 West, Smithfield, UT 84335. -