Rita Mary Doran

Rita Mary (Goetz) Doran was born on June 5, 1927, at the Goetz family farmhouse east of Westphalia, Iowa, to Joseph Bernard Goetz and Antonia (Schechinger) Goetz. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, where her faith was nurtured and remained an important part of her life.

Rita attended St. Boniface Catholic School through the eighth grade and later earned her GED in 1977. Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of several Catholic parishes, including St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, All Saints Church in Des Moines, St. Peter’s Church in Defiance, and St. Michael’s Parish in Harlan.

On June 5, 1950, Rita was united in marriage to Richard Eugene Doran, Sr. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Following their marriage, Rita dedicated her life to caring for her home and family. She was a hardworking homemaker who enjoyed gardening, baking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Rita also worked part-time at the Harlan Motel in 1972.

Rita and Richard made their home in the Des Moines area after getting married, later moving to a farm near Irwin for several years. They then lived in Corley from 1960 until 1980, when they built a home west of Corley. Rita remained there, continuing to create a warm and welcoming home for her family, until moving to Elm Crest Assisted Living and later the Elm Crest Nursing Home.

Rita passed away peacefully at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 attaining the age of 98 years, 7 months, and 9 days. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Antonia Goetz; her husband, Richard Eugene Doran, Sr.; and her brothers, Walter Goetz, Gerald Goetz, Mike Goetz, and Tony Goetz.

She is survived by her children: Richard (Carol) Doran of Harlan, IA; Colleen Ashmore of Denison, TX; Ralph (Shirley) Doran of Harlan, IA; Carolyn (Roy) Haynes of Midland, TX; Ron (Linda) Doran of Plano, TX; Randy (Ann) Doran of Harlan, IA; and Shirley Ann Doran of Kansas City, MO; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elaine Goetz of Harlan, IA; along with other relatives and friends.

Rita will be remembered for her strong faith, dedication to family, and the quiet love she shared through a lifetime of service to others.