Doris Irene Maslonka

Obituary – Doris I. Maslonka

A Life Well Lived

April 18th, 1926 – December 18th, 2019

Doris was born, to Eva Irene Beaudette-Davis and Thomas George Davis, in April of 1926, just two weeks after Easter, on their Farm, in what was then known as Jefferson, Nebraska. Doris passed, peacefully, without illness, struggle or suffering, in her own Home, of the past 60 years, in Arvada, Colorado, just eight days before Christmas 2019. She would’ve been 94 years young, April of 2020.

Doris’ well lived Life spanned nearly a Century, Born during the Roaring Twenties, witnessing the Great Depression, World War II,  the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Mission, and many other epic and Historic events, right up to present day.

Doris welcomed into the World Beloved Baby Brother Melvin G. Davis, September of 1928. And later, Beloved Baby Sister, Janet K, born May of 1944.

Doris graduated from Lyons High School in 1943, Lyons, Nebraska. And later attended Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. She went on to be the Dental Assistant and Office Manager of Dr. Eimer’s Dental Practice. Then, went onto a Life long Career with the Telephone Company. Beginning as a Switch Board Operator, in Lyons, Nebraska, and finally retiring, after decades of loyal Service, in the mid 1980’s, from Mountain Bell/Qwest/CenturyLink. She was a Member of the Telephone Pioneers Mountain Region Chapter for over half a Century.

As a young Women, Doris enjoyed Roller Skating and met the Love of her Life, Raymond ‘Ray’ Theodore Maslonka, at the Roller Rink in Lyons, NE. They went on to Marry, September 25th, 1949. They welcomed three Daughters, into the World. Meryll-Lea November of 1950, quickly followed by, Marlene Kaye, November of 1951. Nine years later, Pamela Rae, came along, March of 1958.

Ray was an over the road Trucker for over thirty eight years, and Doris Loved traveling with him. Especially to the Pacific Coast and San Francisco, where they loved visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, dining on local Wines, Sourdough Bread and Ghirardelli Chocolates. They Loved the Great Outdoors, the mighty Red Woods, and Camping and Fishing in beautiful Colorado.

Doris and Ray, over the years, owned and loved many Horses. They were very involved in an Equine Group in the North Arvada area, and Doris served as Secretary and Treasurer, to this group.

Doris was a very interesting person, and had many, many varied interests, including reading, shopping, visiting with Family and Friends, Crossword Puzzles, Coupon Clipping, Cop Shows, The Arts of the Indigenous and Native Peoples, and the South West. Food, Travel and Weather. She always had her little old Kodak Camera with her to record every happy Family event, that she attended.  Doris was absolutely fascinated by Weather, and recorded daily ‘Highs’ & ‘Lows’ on sticky note pads, that are everywhere in her Home. She made copious notes about anything and everything, in old school Gregg Shorthand, in her signature purple ink pen.

Doris will always be remembered for her amazing beauty, her exemplary kindness, and her definitive sense of style and accessorizing. And her endless knowledge, about so many things of interest.

As a young Girl, she dedicated time to the War Effort by working in a plant sewing zippers into parachutes and Military gear, during World War II. Doris always had the utmost respect for anyone serving, Veterans, the Police and Firefighters. She was a great supporter of anyone in Uniform, serving their’ Country or Communities.

Doris was preceded in Death by her parents. Her only Brother, Melvin G. Davis and his Wife and Doris beloved Sister-In-Law, JoAnn Davis. And her beloved Ray, at the age of 51, in September of 1978.

Doris is survived by her younger, Sister, & Best Friend, Janet Kay Davis-Hamamoto, and Husband, Marshall Hamamoto. Many adoring Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews: Lisa Hamamoto-Payne & Norman Payne, Madison & Jake Payne. Karen Hamamoto-Beavis & Paul Beavis, Kalsin & Leini Beavis. Amy Hamamoto-Beavis & Peter Beavis, Joshua, Katy, & Luke Beavis.

Gene Davis & JoAnn Stransky-Davis, Jackie Davis Moeller, Brian Moeller, Kaitlyn Davis Moeller-McKrosky & Chad McKrosky, Jon M. Davis & Alan Craighead. Susan Young & Karen Malloy.

Doris is also survived by her adoring youngest Daughter, Best Friend, Life Long Companion and Care Giver, since Ray’s passing – Pamela ‘Pammi’ Rae Maslonka-McGowan, Son-In-Law Michael J. McGowan, two Loving Step-Grandsons and their’ Spouses – Severen W. McGowan & Denise Gomez of Denver, Colorado, Sean M. McGowan & Claire Murphy & beloved Great-Grand Daughter Sadhbh Elizabeth of Dublin, Ireland.

Survived by beloved Grand Daughter Michelle L. Balderston & Spouse, Brad Balderston. Survived by Doris’ (Gramma Doh!) very beloved and ‘Light-of-Her-Life’ two Great-Grand Sons and their’ Spouses – Jesse Ray Moreland & Kelly Youmans, and two step Great-Great-Grand Sons, Leyton & Chase. Great-Grandson Brady Balderston & Dasha & beloved Great-Great Grand Daughter Addison. And just missed meeting her second Great-Great Grand Daughter, WesLynn who arrived just one month, after Doris’ passing.

Doris is also survived by her middle Daughter, Marlene K. Maslonka, of North Collins, N.Y. And oldest Daughter, Meryll Lea ‘Skip’ Maslonka-Steele of Ft. Collins, Co.

Also, survived by Sister-In-Laws, MaryAnn Bakke & Family. Marcella Hinds &  Family. Brother-In-Law Ralph Maslonka & Family.

Also survived by beloved Cousins, Mary Schmedding and Family, and the Beaudettes, Diane, Donna and Debbie. And many, many other extended Family and Friends.

A Celebration of Doris’ Life will be Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2020 @ 2:00 p.m., Arvada, United Methodist Church – Pastor Amy Gearhart – 6750 Carr St., Arvada, Colorado, 80004 – 303-421-5135 – arvadaumc.org

Followed by a 2nd Celebration of Doris’ Life – Saturday, April 18th, 2020 @ 2:00 p.m., – Pastor Joel Rathbun - Memorial United Methodist Church of Lyons - 305 Pearl Street, Lyons, NE 68038-5087 - 402-687-2186

Mailing Address - P.O. Box 512 - fmchurch@skyww.net with Internment to follow at the Lyons Cemetery – Lyons, Nebraska.

With Deepest Appreciation & special Thanks to Jim Stork, Julie and Michelle @ Stork Family Mortuary – Lakewood, Colorado.