Dortha Lea Duerson, 85, died Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
She was born May 10, 1939 to Clista (Hopke) and Lewis Duerson.
After graduating from Turpin High School in 1957, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1961, followed by a Master of Teaching from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1965.
Her teaching journey began in Zenda, but it was at Sublette High School where she made her greatest impact. She taught business classes there for more than four decades, guiding and inspiring countless students. She also coached the girls’ basketball team and sponsored the cheerleading and Pep Club. Even after her retirement, she would lend her musical talents to the high school choir and continuing to serve in different roles.
She was a member of Sublette Southern Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She shared her love for music by playing the organ and piano and leading children in song.
She was an avid supporter of OU Football and the OKC Thunder.
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Berdie Duerson, Turpin, Okla.; niece, Lea Ann Olson, and husband, Dean, Louisville, Ky.; known as “Aunt Do” to Riley, Maurissa, and Brekken; known as “Grandma Do” by the Smith children: Andrew, Anna, Lydia, and Leah, and their children.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Jimmy Duerson III and Dan Duerson.
• Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 at Sublette Southern Baptist Church, with Rev. Jerry Smith presiding.
Burial will take place at Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal.
Friends may call from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Sublette.
Memorials are suggested to Sublette Southern Baptist Church, care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877.
Condolences may be left at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.
