Dora Lee Burgess

 

Dora Lee Burgess, 90, of Amarillo, TX died February 6, 2020.

Services will at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Burial will be private. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Dorie was born March 22, 1929, in Amarillo, to her parents, Lew and Priscilla Haile, a pioneer ranching family that lived 16 miles East of Dumas, TX.  Dorie was the youngest of five daughters, all who have preceded her in death. She had wonderful memories of growing up on the ranch, a place she was very blessed to live with her husband, Malcolm Keyser, and raise their two daughters. They lived there on the ranch until Malcolm’s tragic death in 1969.

To say Dorie adored her parents was an understatement, she truly believed she had the best parents EVER!  Her mother was an accomplished cook, passing down her love for cooking.  Her father was an extraordinary man who Led and served the people of Moore County with honor.

She graduated from Dumas High School and attended Texas Tech, then floral school in Denver in the mid-seventies.  She had an incredible talent for decorating and designing floral arrangements.  Her passion for design including flipping houses began before the trend became popular.  She said she truly enjoyed buying an old house, tearing out some walls, and turning it into a beautiful home.  She was unique, creative, and had a true gift for turning ordinary things into beautiful masterpieces.

She had a soft spot and love of animals, especially dogs, birds, and most particularly swans.  Oh, how she loved watching the swans at Medi Park.

Dorie worked at Park Place Towers and then as the receptionist at Ware Nursing Home for more than 27 years.  She would always get up to greet each visitor and resident at the door, making all feel special.   It was not surprising that many became wonderful friends.  No one will greet and console families like she did at the front desk.  Dorie loved people.  All people.  A quick trip to the grocery store would evolve into a two-hour social event as she hugged every person she encountered.  She just couldn’t help herself.  Loving people is what she did.

She also was generous with her time and talents sharing both with everyone.  After Dorie’s retirement she volunteered at BSA Hospital until her health wouldn’t allow her to continue.

If she was able Dorie was on the go, either in Bible study, having lunch at The Grill, or shopping at Hobby Lobby or Dillard’s.  She put a million miles on that walker!  She was everywhere and looked fabulous doing it.  For as long as can be remembered she was impeccably coifed and dressed, with lipstick expertly applied.  She was classy, sassy, and in charge and always had her lipstick on and often checked that her women friends and family had also applied theirs.

Dorie will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know her.

Dorie leaves behind a loving family including

Daughter

Polly (Dee) Sandorskey of Sioux City, IA,

and her daughter, Shauna Ohman

and her children, Mia and Jack

and her son, Ryan Sandorskey

Daughter

Jackie Cleavinger, of Amarillo, TX

and her daughter, Kelly Caviness and husband Regan,

and their children, Harper and Asher,

and her son Kent Cleavinger and wife Aubrie,

and their daughter Kennedy

Nieces and Nephews

Kim New

Nicki Kennedy

Joe McCormick

Pris Montgomery

Jack Whipple

Donna Bierig

and their families

The family suggests any memorials be made to Snack Pak 4 Kids, 701 Park Place Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101.

20 Replies to “Dora Lee Burgess”

  1. I was a newly married young lady when I met Dora Lee. I always thought she was the most beautiful and graceful lady. Then, when I moved from Dumas to Amarillo, there she was in a Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. More than fifty years later and she was still the same beautiful and graceful lady. We both recognized one another and she still had that warm smile. What a grand lady who will certainly be missed by many.

  2. My condolences for the loss of your loving mother. Had the pleasure of knowing her when my mother was at Ware. She was so special, made everybody welcomed and always stood up and gave everybody a big hug as they came to see their loved ones at Ware. She was a very beautiful, caring woman. May she Rest In Peace in loving Arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏🏻

  3. Jackie we are sorry for your loss. Your mom was a sweet lady. Always a welcoming hug when we visited anyone at park place. May God give you and your family peace.

  4. Dorie was the Receptionist at Ware Memorial Care Center when I worked there before My Retirement in 2003.
    She was a beautiful , kind, sweet, caring, compassionate loving person. My Sympathy

  5. So happy we knew and loved Dorie our entire lives. She was a wonderful person who would be great anywhere she went. We will remember her interest in others, her kindness and her direct concern for others.
    My Dad worked lots of cattle with Malcolm and Dorie and my Mom were in the same graduating class in Dumas during the War. Those were all good friendships. Dorie was one of those people you were glad and felt blessed to be friends with. Her family carries her legacy of friendliness and hospitality. She will be remembered as one of the “great ones”.

  6. Polly and Jackie, I’m sorry for your loss, I just saw the obit. Tood went to bed early tonight, I’ll tell him in the morning, I’m not sure if he will go or not my love and prayer are with you all

  7. So sorry to hear of Dorie’s passing. I truly thought of her as a special friend. I remember the day I drove Dorie to Boxwell Brothers to discuss her service. She knew exactly what she wanted. No pokey songs for her! Love and prayers!

  8. Life at Park Central will not be the same without this lady. I love her and will miss her so much. My condolences to Jackie and Polly and the rest of family

  9. Dorie was one of my favorite people. I first met her at Ware when I would go to see patients and families to discuss hospice care. Dorie always greeted me with a smile and a hug and we would chat about our lives and families. I also would see her at church after I retired. What a beautiful soul she was who loved life and loved people! She surely made a difference in our world!

  10. Jackie, we r so so sorry to hear about your mom. Her obituary was beautiful. U look just like her I wish we had had the chance to meet her. Our love to you and your kids.
    Love, Glen and Cathy Gibson❤️🌹

  11. She was beautiful inside and out! I walked with her and spent time with her at Thanksgiving. I brought her some things I found at a thrift store she loved. I will forever keep her smile in my heart.

  12. This was a loving class act that I had the joy of caring for and fell in love with.As much as I will miss her I rejoice in knowing we will see each other again some day. I was blessed to have shared too short of a time.

  13. She was my Great Aunt and treated me like a daughter. Ive so many memories of her over the years. To know I was loved by her is the best feeling ever. She was an incredible human. All of her greatness will be carried through all those she touched. I love and miss you Aunt Dorie. 😞

  14. Our family loved Dorie like she was our own. It was my pleasure to be her supervisor and friend for so long. I love her and will miss her so much.

  15. Jackie I am so sorry to see this. I admired your mother. She always had a smile, a loving gesture and a hug.Blessings and prayers for you and your family.

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