Doris June (Downing) Chenoweth, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 2, 2026, at the age of 97 at Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, Colorado.

Doris was born on April 30, 1929, on a farm two miles from Bird City, Kansas, to William Luther Downing and Minnie Lena Emma (Schmidt) Downing. She was the middle child, with an older sister, Lois (Kenneth) Nothdurft, and a younger brother, Ralph (Thelma) Downing.

As a child growing up on a wheat farm, Doris spent much of her time outdoors, playing and helping with chores. She was active in her small rural community and graduated from Bird City High School in 1946. She later attended Fort Hays State University, where she met James "Jim" Chenoweth, who had recently returned from service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They met in a chemistry lecture class, seated alphabetically with one student between them—a story Doris fondly shared.

Doris and Jim were married on August 1, 1948, at the Bird City Methodist Church, following a year-long engagement. They both graduated from Kansas State University in May 1950, where Doris earned a degree in Home Economics. The couple then moved to Grinnell, Kansas, where they began raising sheep.

In 1951, Doris and Jim moved to Colorado and, in 1954, purchased a ranch seven miles north of Last Chance. They lived in a sod house, worked hard, and began raising their family. On the ranch, they raised their five children: Earl, Carl, Karen, Troy, and Dale. Doris and Jim were active members of the Methodist Church in Last Chance, where Doris especially loved playing piano and organ and teaching Bible School and Sunday School classes. She also enjoyed quilting club, music club and playing bridge.

Over the years, they expanded their ranching operations by purchasing land in South Dakota and even acquired an airplane to travel between the two locations. They became active members of the Colorado Flying Farmers organization, forming lasting friendships with fellow flying families. They also cherished many family trips taken by plane.

In 1994, Doris and Jim sold the ranch and moved to Brush, Colorado, where they enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and Doris continued her faithful service to the church.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Minnie; her husband, Jim; her siblings, Lois and Ralph; her sons, Earl and Carl; her daughter, Karen Blake; her grandchildren, Donny Blake and LeKell Blake; and her great-grandson, Trevon Chenoweth.

She is survived by her sons, Troy Chenoweth and Dale (Melissa) Chenoweth; her grandchildren, Tad Chenoweth, Kerry (Tyree) Larmer, Beth (Corrie) Pfost, Danny (Randi) Blake, Mitch (Julie) Blake, Thomas Chenoweth, and Rachel Chenoweth; as well as seven great-grandchildren, Trey, Aspen, Breanna, Kyle, Eian, Thatcher, and Max.

Doris will be remembered for her quiet strength and enduring faith. Her legacy lives on in her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Services will be held at Brush Church of the Nazarene, 26150 US Hwy 34, Brush, Colorado, on Thursday May 14 at 10:30 AM, with lunch to follow.  Private inurnment will be held at Brush Memorial Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Doris' memory to the Brush Church of the Nazarene,