Dorla Harkness
December 02, 2015
Dorla Harkness, 82, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Kavanagh on 56th Street.
Dorla was born January 27, 1933 in Osceola, Iowa to Adris and Bessie McDougal. She moved to Des Moines in 1948. Dorla retired in 1997 from Olsen-Kimberly Medical Pool where she worked as an LPN for many years. She was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where she served on the Vestry and headed the bazaar for 31 years. Dorla was also a hospice bereavement volunteer.
Dorla is survived by her children, Dave (Sharon) Harkness, Christine (Joe) Olsen, Jennifer (Craig) Umphfleet and Joe (Erin) Harkness; grandchildren, Mitchell and Allison Umphfleet, Jace and Geoffrey Olsen and Nicole Harkness; and a host of extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, David Harkness; and her brother, Ernest McDougal.
The family will greet friends Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. with a Memorial Celebration to follow at 2 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A private family burial will be held at Glendale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Kiya Koda Humane Society, 1206 N. Jefferson Way, Indianola, Iowa 50125.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kimberly
12/07/2015
Deepest heartfelt condolences to the Harkness, Umphfleet and Olsen families. My memories of your mom are so rich with fun and warmth: I remember your mother ordering pizza (with anchovies!) while we watched old scary movies like "the Mole People" on my many overnights at your house when we were kids. I found the pleasures of hot Maypo for breakfast and hot lemonade on those winter mornings when we'd sled down your back slope. Too many good memories to write here, but know that her loss is felt deeply by so many of us.
Jennifer (Harkness) Umphfleet
12/05/2015
I love you to pieces and will miss you each day that passes. Thank you for being a fabulous grandmother, for taking such great care of Dad, for telling me the "truth" when I needed your input and for being a wonderful Mother and dear friend. You've taught me more than you will ever know. You're at peace now, with Dad- and that is certainly something to celebrate.
Christine Olsen
12/05/2015
My mom was a one of a kind lady. She always spoke the truth, had a flair for reminiscing and telling family stories/history through her letters and in person. Her sense of humor was abundant as well as her quiet times. Each of her children had their own special relationship with her and she knew she was loved by us.