Doris Uden, at the age of 107, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday July 19, 2016 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care nursing home in Miles City, Montana, with family by her side. The world has lost a wonderful, loving and caring woman but Heaven has gained another angel.
Doris was born on July 6, 1909 in Wetonka, South Dakota, the daughter of William G. and Mamie Axelsen Kienast. Doris was the second of four children born to Bill and Mamie. In 1926 the Kienast family moved from Wetonka to Mitchell, South Dakota where Doris continued her education graduating from Mitchell High School in 1928. Doris continued her education at Notre Dame Normal School graduating in 1929 with an Elementary Grade teacher’s certification and she went on to teach in the Davidson County rural school district for several years frequently riding a horse to her schools even in some of the coldest winter snow storms. While living in Mitchell with her parents, brother and sisters she spent many days bird hunting with her father, brother Bill and sister Mae. She also helped her father raise and breed his various hunting dogs which were his pride and joy with the pups being shipped throughout the U.S. due to their high desirability.
On June 27, 1932 Doris married William H. Farley in Mitchell, South Dakota and on May 15, 1937 Doris gave birth to her first son, James A. Farley. Doris and Jim continued to live in Mitchell while her husband took a job in Oregon and several years later this marriage ended. In 1945 Doris met Edgar A. Uden Jr. in Mitchell and on October 27, 1945 they were married. Doris’s second son, John K. Uden, was born in Mitchell on February 11, 1947 and shortly thereafter the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska for Ed’s work.
Doris’s family moved frequently after their move to Omaha due to Ed’s association with General Motors. These moves landed the family in cities such as Chicago, IL, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Hickory, Winston Salem and Shelby, NC, Spartanburg, SC, Jacksonville Beach, FL, Council Bluffs, IA, Winner, SD, Valentine, NE and ultimately to Miles City, MT in June of 1964 just to name a few places they lived. In one year her sons had to change schools three times due to Ed’s relocations. However their move to Miles City was destined to be their last move because Ed died in April of 1965 at the age of 50. Doris and her son John decided to make Miles City their final home so Doris went to work for First National Bank (now US Bank) where she worked until their mandatory retirement age of 62. In 1971 she went to work as night auditor at the War Bonnet inn where she remained until 1982 when she finally retired.
Doris’s retirement years were spent with frequent trips to Oregon, California and Mitchell, SD to spend time with her brothers and sisters as well as South Carolina to spend time with her oldest son, Jim, and his family. When she was back home in Miles City she enjoyed her time with her youngest son, John, and his family and playing Bridge with her many friends at the Miles City Drop In Center.
As with her decision to stop driving due to macular degeneration Doris made her own decision in December of 2003 to take up residence at the Holy Rosary Extended Care facility due to failing legs and the need for 24 hour care. She made numerous friends throughout her years there both among the residents as well as among the staff. Doris continued her interest in cards in the Extended Care Unit until her eyesight failed her and she turned her interest to Bingo.
In her 107 years of life she lived through some of the most amazing occurrences ever. She witnessed 19 presidents of our country, our wars beginning with World War I, prohibition, the great dust bowl, the great depression, segregation and it’s ultimate demise, some of the worst illnesses including polio, our first space shot including our astronauts landing on the moon, the inventions of the airplane, the automobile, radio, television and so much more that we all take for granted today. She was a living example of the person who accepted the things that she could not change, the courage to change those things that she could change and the wisdom to know the difference.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mamie Kienast, her husband, Edgar A. Uden Jr., her sisters and brother Ruby Morse (Sidney), Mae Wieland (Bob) and Bill Kienast (Virginia). She is survived by her sons James A. Farley (Nancy) of Seneca, South Carolina and their children Patricia Owens (Mike) and Michael Farley (Debbie) also of South Carolina as well as her son John K. Uden (Sherry) of Miles City, MT and their children Shannon Lamon (Marc) on Holdrege, Nebraska and Tracy Pask of Miles City, MT. She is also survived by 6 great grandchildren: Courtney Owens, Ashley Owens and Brandon Farley all of South Carolina, Scott Lamon and Quin Lamon of Holdrege, Nebraska and Dylan Pask of Miles City, Montana. Doris is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews inclusive of two special nephews: Bruce DeRosier (Toni) of Bend, Oregon and Jack DeRosier (Lola) of John Day, Oregon.
Doris has gone home to her heavenly father where she and her family that preceded her in death are celebrating the best family reunion she has ever attended and it is truly comforting to know that they are all smiling down upon us and will be watching over us in the future.
Doris’s desire was not to have a traditional funeral service but rather to have a graveside service attended by her immediate family. In respect to Doris’s wishes the family will celebrate her life at the graveside service in Mitchell, South Dakota. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should family or friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice at the Holy Rosary Hospital, 2600 Wilson ST., Miles City, MT 59301.
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Diane Grutkowski says
Doris was one of my favorite ladies to visit with when I went to HRH. She sure had a lot of spunk. John & family, I am so sorry to hear that she has passed, but am very grateful that we will see her again in heaven.
Dolores H. Steiner says
John, Sheri, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Doris, it will not be the same on Tuesday’s for me. I will surely miss her.
Heidi Brown says
Uden Family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Doris was a treasure and will be missed. Hold close the many memories.
Todd and Heidi Brown and family
Deb Schmeling says
Uden Famiily,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. She was one amazing women.
May God wrap His loving arms around you with comfort, love and peace. Remember all the memories and keep them close to your heart.
Kelly Dodge Tarr says
Words really cannot express what a grand lady she was. She will be missed.
Samantha Rodell - Perkins says
I still can’t imagine life without Doris. It truly was an honor to know her, care for her. I loved laughing with her. So many memories I have in only the past couple years. She will be missed. God bless.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
My condolences to the Uden family. I just saw Doris a couple weeks ago, while visiting my parents at Extended Care. We were there for my mom’s birthday, on the 4th of July. Doris sat at the same table for meals and we visited with her about her birthday on the 6th. What a full life she led! And what a neat lady!
Emily Bennett says
Prayers and thoughts coming your way.
Jim & Cecile Certain says
John & family, So sorry for your loss but your Mom had a long & fulfilling life. God bless all of you & have a safe trip to the memorial service. Our best to all af you. Jim & Cecile
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
John, Sherry and family, Our sincere sympathy for your loss. It’s always difficult to lose a parent. You had a truly great mom. God Bless. Jim and Mary Ann
Dean (Bill) Holmes says
Sorry bout the loss of your mother, John. She lived a very interesting life. Hope this message finds you and yours in good health. We must take some time for a cup of coffee and talk city business. My prayers are with you and your family, Mayor Dean Holmes.
Ruth Bohlman says
I was so sad to hear of Doris passing away. I met her years ago while working at HR Hospital. She was a wonderful lady and I was very proud that she refered to me as her friend. I am truely going to miss her and will say many prayers for her.
Kriss Erickson says
John and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Doris. My father, Ross Erickson, worked with Doris at the First National Bank and had much respect for her. It was always a treat to visit Doris, when I dropped in to see my father. Doris lived through times we can only read about with grace and spunk.
Dennis and Chris Young says
John, Jim and families,
We are saddened to hear of Doris passing. I worked with her at First National Bank years ago. She had such a great sense of humor. She was an amazing lady. Prayers to all your family.