Doris Kay McKenzie

Doris Kay McKenzie, 85 of Beardstown, died Monday, April 28, 2025 in Beardstown.

She was born October 8, 1939 in Sangamon Valley, to the late David and Marie Shaurette French. She married Earl Everett McKenzie on June 24, 1960 at Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church and he preceded her in death on July 27, 2015. They had been married 55 years at the time of his passing.

She is survived by two daughters, Jennifer (Eric) Meyer and Jill (Darin) Paul; four cherished granddaughters Ashlee (Michael)Paul Curtis, Jessica (Joe) Meyer Mauro, Allison (Brett McGinnis) Paul, and Sydney (Austin)Meyer Mast; five beloved great grandchildren Rylee and Oliver Curtis, Jordan Mauro, and Oaklynn & Rynlee McGinnis; a brother Roy (Barbara) French; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers Jack (Judy) French and Bill (surviving wife Pat) French, and twin sister and life-time best friend Delores Kay (Donald) Boice.

Doris was a life-long resident of the area and graduated from Beardstown High School in the Class of 1957. After graduating, she worked at the school as the secretary for 25 years; First State Bank as the Assistant Vice President and Corporate Secretary for 13 years; Cass County Health Department as the secretary for Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice, until her retirement in 2001.

Doris led a Christ-filled life and was giving of her time which was directed to her family, church, friends, and community. She was a life-long member of Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church where she had served as elder and deacon. She taught Sunday School for 25 years and was a member of the Presbyterian Women and UR Welcome group.

Doris was well known for her volunteer work, having been named Beardstown's "Citizen of the Year" in 1992. She was a member of several civic organizations and a charter member of the Exchange Club of Beardstown for which she received the Distinguished Service Award. Following retirement, she enjoyed many years as a hospice volunteer. In later years she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

Although Alzheimer's took the last chapter of life, her other chapters were very blessed. Through this last chapter she remained gentle, sweet, and cooperative. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Beardstown Health and Rehab Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will follow in Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends 2 hours prior to the services at the memorial home on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church, Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice, or Bread of Love, and should be directed to Colwell Memorial Home, 515 S. State St. Beardstown, IL 62618. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.