Doris Peninger

Doris was born on November 10, 1936, in Hamlin, Texas to William Perry Smith and Willie Inez Pollock Smith. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1955. Doris met Travis in May of 1955 at the Double Dip Drive-In. They were engaged two months later and married in October of 1955.

During her teens, Doris competed and won medals in roller dancing. A homemaker by trade, Doris also worked in the credit department at Montgomery Ward for a few years. She was an accomplished artist who enjoyed tole painting and crafts. She also volunteered with the Girl Scouts as a troop leader and especially enjoyed taking a group of girls on a trip to Mexico.

She and Travis shared a love for the outdoors and were members of a camping club, making countless memories together. Doris found great joy in being part of her community and leaving her mark through her creative talents and acts of kindness. Doris and Travis were also dedicated supporters of any activities involving their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving children, Danita Meador and husband Jeff, and Kevin Peninger and wife Diana; her grandchildren, Amy Krieger and husband Marcus, Andrew Meador and wife Kerri, Ben Meador and wife Sarah, Riley Peninger, and Weston Peninger; and her great-grandchildren, Micah Krieger, Gabriel Krieger, Audrey Krieger, John Krieger, Haven Meador, and Eden Meador. Doris also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Jean Walton of Phoenix, niece Judy Campbell and family of Amarillo, and many other nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Horace Bullard, her beloved husband Travis Peninger, and her sister, Leatrice Melton.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Craig Senior Living Chapel in Amarillo, Texas, and a graveside service will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of love and support during this time, especially to the staff of the Craig Retirement Community for their care and love for Doris. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Doris’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, her favorite organization.