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Doris M. (Sears) Swank

Doris M. (Sears) Swank

  • December 29, 1917 - February 29, 2012
  • Cedar, Kansas
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Memories & Candles

“Family of Doris, Please accept my belated condolences. I just discovered Doris' passing today while scouring the internet pursuing my genealogy...Read More » ”
1 of 7 | Posted by: Rod Layton - Joplin, MO

“To the family of Doris Swank, Sympathy & God's enabling grace, strength & love to you as you cope with your loved one's earthly life closing. ...Read More » ”
2 of 7 | Posted by: Ila Virgil - Norton, KS - friend

“My thanks to Doris for her wonderful help in researching the Sears family. We exchanged information by snail mail many years ago. Love and Prayers...Read More » ”
3 of 7 | Posted by: Marilyn Tanner - Somerset,, KY

“To my Sweet Doris, Doris you are with the Lord now. You are in peace and No Pain. I Thank God for this. But you will truly be missed. I cared...Read More » ”
4 of 7 | Posted by: Carol Davis - Salina Kansas, KS

“Dear Doris, Rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon you. ------------ Doris was my 5th grade elementary school teacher in Cedar, Kansas. ...Read More » ”
5 of 7 | Posted by: Harriet and Gene Motter - TX

“Was very sad to hear of Doris' passing. She was a great lady who will be remembered fondly by many. My deepest sympathy to the family. ”
6 of 7 | Posted by: Gayla Johnson-Hotchkiss - KS

“Sherry, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thinking of all the family Love y'all, Martha & Bill ”
7 of 7 | Posted by: Martha Watkins - Cumming, GA


Doris M. Swank, 94, went home to be with her Lord Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at her daughter's home in Salina.

Doris was born December 29, 1917 in Cedar, KS, the eldest daughter of Otto Roscoe and Vera Viola (Cronn) Sears. On December 8, 1941, she married Merle Edward Swank, Sr. in Smith Center, KS. They were blessed with two children, Merle Edward (Ed), Jr. and Sherry Lyn.

Doris attended business school in Grand Island, NE, and took Normal Training at Kensington, KS where she received her teaching certificate. She taught country school at Silver Ridge, north of Cedar, grades 1-8, and was Principle at the Cedar school, teaching grades 4-8. In 1955, the Postmaster General appointed her as Postmaster of the Cedar post office. She retired from that position after 25 years of service.She was a member of the First Christian Church of Cedar, Charter member of the Smith County Historical Society, Retired Postmasters, Daughters of the Pioneers, past Regent of Sarah Steward Chapter, KSDAR, Heritage Club, NSDAR, Scottish Clans MacBean and Campbell. She was correspondent for the Smith County Pioneer for many years. Doris was published author of the book "My Home Town", Cedarville, Kansas and authored numerous manuscripts. She was an avid historian, genealogist and artist and was honored guest for a segment of PBS television production "Sunflower Journeys" regarding Cedar history. Her extensive genealogy research will be made available at the Smith Center Library Genealogy Room.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merle on January 5, 2001, three granddaughters, Stacy, Shelley and Renee, and a sister, Nina Myers.

She is survived by her son, Merle E. Swank, Jr. and wife, Sherida, of Claudell,; a daughter, Sherry Valentine of Salina; three brothers, Harold Sears and wife Phyllis of Topeka, James Sears of Gaylord, Gilbert Sears of Smith Center; two sisters, Lila Eller of Smith Center and Betty Silsby of Madison, AL; four grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Cedar Cemetery, Cedar, KS with Pastor Lyle Miller officiating. Memorials may be given to the Smith Center Library Genealogy Room Fund and/or "Home Sweet Home" in-home nursing care of Salina in care of the funeral chapel.