Doris Neal

Doris Neal

1934 - 2024

Doris Neal, formerly of Worthington, Minnesota, died July 22, 2024, in Lincoln, at age 89. She was born Sept. 3, 1934, in Knowlton, Iowa, the daughter of Viola Snider and Ellis Yaryan. She lived in Knowlton and various places until the age of 10, when the family moved to Clearwater.

Doris graduated from Clearwater High School in 1953 was the class salutatorian. Her love of learning and academics continued as she began her 35-year career as a teacher.

On Dec. 24, 1954, she married Eugene Neal and they started a family while living in Clearwater, and subsequently moved to Worthington, where they remained until retirement.

While simultaneously teaching and raising a family, Doris went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, and continued her teaching career at Central Elementary in Worthington. Teaching was her passion, and her dedication to her career was honored in 1991, when she was named as the Worthington Teacher Of The Year. She was also active in the Business and Professional Women's Club and served as the president for that organization from 1978-1979.

Doris loved to travel, and in addition to enjoying cruises to numerous locations, she had visited every state in the US. She also loved to read and tell stories, including her favorite story about living in a covered wagon as a child in Idaho, while her father worked as a sheep herder. After her retirement from teaching in 1993, Doris lived for several years in Tea, South Dakota, and enjoyed spending winters in Arizona, participating in various activities and antics with friends, including the Red Hat Club.

Doris is survived by daughters, Roxanne (Rick) Pritchett of Lineville, Alabama; Rene' (Brian) Pass, Farmington Hills, Michigan; sister, Dorothea (John) Kruger of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) McNab, Derrick Pass, and Krista Pass; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, and son, Rocky Neal. A sunset memorial service will be held on Sept. 3, at the cemetery in Clearwater, which will also honor the memory of Rocky Neal who died on Dec.16, 2020. All are welcome to attend. Further information regarding service arrangements can be obtained from the Snider Funeral Home in Clearwater.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a hospice organization of your choice.