Doris Elizabeth Deml

Doris Elizabeth (Adair-Harshman) Deml passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Missouri. Born on June 17, 1927, in Kansas City, Missouri, Doris was the daughter of the late Roland Buford Adair and Helen McCollough Adair.

Doris attended Lowell Grade School and West Junior High School before beginning her career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she worked as a file clerk and billing machine operator for ten years. She often spoke fondly of her time there and greatly enjoyed her work.

As a devoted homemaker, Doris dedicated herself to raising her family while pursuing her passions for gardening and sewing. Following the passing of her husband, Edward Deml Sr., in 1987, she embraced a wide variety of new interests and activities, including playing the organ, roller skating, bowling, square dancing, clogging, singing, and participating in a bell choir. These pursuits led to many friendships, travels, awards, and cherished memories.

Music held a special place in Doris’s heart. After purchasing her first organ, she continually upgraded to larger instruments over the years. Her organ became one of her most treasured possessions and accompanied her through every move. She delighted in sharing her music with family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to listen.

In 1998, Doris met Frank Walsh while bowling. They shared many happy years together until his passing in 2018.

A talented seamstress, Doris created countless garments, including costumes for square dancing, clogging, and tap-dancing groups. Her generosity extended far beyond her family. She sewed quilts for children and donated them to Children's Mercy Hospital, crafted walker bags for patients at North Kansas City Hospital, and quilted hundreds of protective covers for fragile water filters used by the Water By Women project, helping provide safe drinking water to people in need both in the United States and abroad.

Doris was blessed with a long and active life. On May 11, just one day before her passing, she was still enjoying one of her favorite activities—playing her organ. She experienced only a brief period of illness before passing peacefully due to complications of congestive heart failure, acute renal failure, and acidosis.

Doris is survived by her children: Larry Harshman (Joellen), Dick Sherbondy, Annette LeTourneau, and Edward Deml Jr. (Rita). She was a proud grandmother to Chad Harshman (Joani), Megan Harshman (Terry), Lindsay Phan (Toan), John LeTourneau (Magali), Becky Urbina (Carlos), and E.J. Deml (Allie). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Sabreena Logan, Victor Urbina (Anna), Mia Urbina, Kiera Harshman, Max Harshman, Kaila Harshman, and Kale Phan. Doris was preceded in death by her siblings, Roland Adair, Richard Adair, and Louise White; her husband, Edward Deml Sr.; her partner, Frank Walsh; and her grandson, Chad Harshman.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Doris’s life on June 27, 2026, at Unity Kansas City North, 1000 NE Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64155. A meet-and-greet will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service featuring music and memories from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Light refreshments and fellowship will continue from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

An informal gathering will follow at Gladstone Bowl, 300 NW 72nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64118, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bowling, food, and beverages will be provided as family and friends continue to share memories of Doris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Sewing Labs, 526 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64106, @ thesewinglabs.org OR Water by Women @ waterbywomen.org

Please contact Doris’s daughter, Annette, with any questions at 816-868-2655.

Memories and condolences may also be shared through the White Chapel Funeral Home website.