Doris Ferrel

OBITUARY

Doris (Hankins) Ferrel

Doris Ferrel (99) passed away May 28, 2026, in Chadron, Nebraska. In accordance with Doris’ wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 11, 2-4pm at the Hay Springs Community Hall (formerly American Legion), 108 S. Main Street in Hay Springs.

She was born Doris Ferne Hankins on January 17, 1927, north of Hay Springs, Nebraska to Homer H. and Delilah R. (Bomar) Hankins. She was the youngest of five children. Taking after her mother’s family, Doris possessed extraordinary musical talent. She could pick up and play nearly any instrument by ear with only a few minutes of practice. As teenagers, she and her sister, Lauretta, entertained at dances throughout the area, singing, playing music and yodeling. Doris joked their father insisted they perform so he would know where they were and keep them out of trouble.

Doris attended country school before staying home to help her family. She became her father’s driver after he lost an eye from an injury caused by a corn husk. Although she learned to drive at a young age, she was known for using the entire road - including both ditches - when she drove. She rarely got stuck, and never tipped over a vehicle. Her theory was simply, “Give it hell”.

During World War II, her brother, Percival Hankins, was killed on Guadalcanal in 1943. One of Percival's Army buddies, Alva "AJ" Ferrel, was a young farmer from Hay Springs. After returning home from the war, AJ visited the Hankins family, where he met Doris. They were married September 11, 1946, in Hay Springs and were blessed with three children: Diane, Alan and Deloris. Together, AJ and Doris raised Charolais-cross cattle and farmed near Cody, Nebraska for a short time, before settling west of Hay Springs, where they farmed and ranched for the next 60 years. Life with AJ was rarely dull. A true daredevil, he survived numerous horse accidents and motorcycle wrecks, ensuring there was never a shortage of stories to tell.

Over the years, Doris worked at DeCastro’s dental office and grocery store in Hay Springs; Marshall’s Clothing; and in the laundry, housekeeping & dietary departments at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home. While working at Marshall’s, she never brought home a paycheck, choosing instead to take her wages in trade for clothing for her family. She was delighted to do that. Doris was an exceptional cook, who expressed her love through feeding others. She had an incredible gift for preparing delicious meals on little notice, and delighted in hosting Sunday dinners and large family gatherings for many years. Her table overflowed with homemade breads, salads, side dishes, multiple main courses, and, of course, desserts. No one ever left her house hungry. Her homemade noodles, made from her mother’s recipe, and her cinnamon twists became family favorites. Her daughters and several granddaughters learned to cook and bake by her side.

AJ and Doris shared a love of travel and explored much of the United States, Canada and Mexico. One family story perfectly captures Doris' independent spirit. Before one trip to visit family, AJ told her she needed to weed the garden before they could leave. Not appreciating being told what to do—and eager to get on the road—Doris simply mowed the entire garden with the lawn mower. Since he arrived home after dark, and they left before sunrise the next morning, AJ didn't discover her "weeding" method until they returned from the trip.

In later years, the two enjoyed armchair traveling together, spreading out an atlas and planning adventures they never intended to take, simply for the fun of dreaming. After AJ's passing, Doris continued traveling whenever she had the opportunity. She often said, "Don't ask me if you don't want me to go along." Her suitcase would be packed weeks in advance, and she would be waiting by the door hours before departure.

Doris enjoyed listening to music, whistling, reading, working crossword puzzles, and playing numerous card games including Pitch and Kings on the Corner, as well Bingo and Yahtzee. She had a generous heart and loved treating family and friends to dinner after she stopped cooking. She treasured time with her family, loved telling stories, enjoyed being the center of attention, and appreciated a good laugh. She was especially proud of her nine granddaughters, whom she loved dearly and delighted in spoiling every chance she had. AJ and Doris played an important role in the granddaughters' lives, creating special memories. She also shared a fun and loving bond with her great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She will be remembered for her fierce independence, quick wit, generous heart, and the love she shared around her kitchen table.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Lloyd in infancy, Percival and Guy; sister and best friend Lauretta; and her beloved husband, AJ, in 2008, after nearly 62 years of marriage.

She is survived by daughters Diane (Wayne) Fisher of Chadron, and Deloris (Lee) Garrett of Hay Springs; son Alan (Sandra) Ferrel of Hay Springs;

9 granddaughters:

Echo Renner of Hay Springs,

Holli (Jeremy) Moody of Axtell, NE,

Amber Garrett of Rapid City, SD,

Melody Griebel of Cody, WY,

Jodie Garrett (Lyndall Letcher) of Hay Springs,

Kristan (Corey) Staab of Willis, TX,

Kamera Coles (Edward St. Martin) of Estero, FL,

Janet Kindred of Bozeman, MT, and

Kodi (Marc) Olson of Chadron, NE;

13 great grandchildren:

Ty Raymer, Kole Raymer, Joshua Staab, Jared Staab, Tessa (Jesse) Nelson, Blake Olson, Cade Coles, Josephine Griebel, Chase Olson, Jaydon Staab, Cassie Coles, Jaycee Kindred and Kaylee Kindred; and five great great grandchildren:Ayden & Avery Raymer, Lexie & Ellie Nelson, and Kolter Raymer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Doris Ferrel to the Hay Springs Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 308, Hay Springs, NE 69347. AJ and Alan have been lifelong members, and over the years our family has been grateful for the care, support and service provided by the rural fire department and rescue team.