Doris M. Dent
Doris M. Dent, 96 of Joplin Missouri passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
She was born on April 7th 1930 in Enid, Oklahoma to Thomas and Madge Kelley. Doris resided in Watonga, Oklahoma until moving to Ocean Park, California in 1940. Doris then came to stay in Joplin where she met her future husband, Jack Dent. He was a World War II Army Veteran. They married in 1946 and celebrated 55 years of marriage. Doris sold shoes for Ramsey’s and Newman’s Department Stores, located at the Northpark Mall in Joplin, Missouri. Doris and Jack later enjoyed their retirement days at Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma.
Doris was an amazing cook, she loved gardening and taking care of her flowers. Doris returned to Joplin in 2003 and eventually moved to College View Manor Independent Living Center in Joplin. She lived there for 16 years. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo. One thing she looked forward to the most was when Duke Mason would come to College View and perform for the residents. She never missed a single concert. She loved when her family would come to visit.
Doris was preceded in death by her late husband, Jack Dent and her son in law Phil Abernathy. She is survived by her three daughters; Kathy Abernathy of Nixa, Tammy Perry of Joplin, Kelley Jeffries and her husband Garry of Webb City. She has nine grandchildren, Doug (Jeanne) Stockam, Mindy (John) Nielsen, Ryan Abernathy, Tosha LaFleur, Amber LaFleur, Amanda (Aaron) Christy, Abby (Mitchell) Lett, Jordan (Brad) Jackson and Chelsie (Jake) Bennett. She has twelve great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. Doris loved all of her grandchildren very much. She was very proud of them and was always interested in what was going on in all of their lives. She attended many sporting events, plays, school functions, weddings, birthday parties and holidays with her family through the years.
Over the past 3 years as her sight began to fail and she needed additional daily assistance. Her caregivers stayed with her throughout the day. She loved these ladies like family. A special thank you to Joellen Selsor, Hope Johnston and Carla Boucher.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Doug Stockam, Ryan Abernathy, John Nielsen, Aaron Christy, Mitchell Lett, Brad Jackson, and Jake Bennett. Honorary pallbearers will be her great grandsons Kaden Lafleur, Justin Stockam, Cameron Abernathy and Justin Randolph.
Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 10:00am at Ozark Memorial Park Open Air Chapel at the Mausoleum. Services will begin at 10:30am. The committal service will follow at the graveside.
