Doris Hurlburt

Doris Hurlburt Obituary

Doris A Hurlburt (Ruffer), age 94, passed away peacefully after a full life on January 31, 2026, in Thermopolis, Wy.

Born on March 23, 1931, in Wauseon, Ohio, Doris was the daughter of Ben and Helen Ruffer. The family moved from Ohio to Adrian, Michigan where she spent her early years and graduated. With a passion for education and dedication to learning, she went to attend Bowling Green College in Ohio, graduating in 1953 with a teaching degree.

Doris devoted her professional life to teaching and nurturing young minds. Over the years, she taught various grades and subjects across Nebraska in the communities of Arcadia, Loup City and Aston. Her career spanned decades and left a lasting impact on countless students. In 1993, after many years of service in education, she retired alongside her husband Aldon and relocated to Thermopolis WY.

Faith played an important role throughout Doris’s life. While living in Loup City, Nebraska, she was an active member of the Lutheran church and served as organist during services. Upon moving to Thermopolis, she continued her devotion as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Doris had a deep appreciation for music and found joy playing the piano throughout her life. She also loved gardening, sewing, and reading, pastimes that brought her peace and fulfillment. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively: she explored Europe and New Zealand, marveled at the beauty of Alaska and Hawaii, and visited many states across the continental U.S. Among her favorite experiences were cruises-including one memorable journey down the Mississippi River aboard a steam-driven paddle boat.

Family was central to Doris’s life. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Susan Howell, Colleen Hanson and Catherine Valentine; sons Samuel Hurlburt and Joel Hurlburt; eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Helen Ruffer; her first husband Wayne Hurlburt; her second husband Aldon Hurlburt; her parents-in-law Leroy and Fern Hurlburt; one sister and one brother.

Doris will be remembered as a loving woman who cherished time with family and friends. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

A Service will be held on February 4, 2026, at 11:00 at St Paul Lutheran Church, 288 US-20.

Grave side services will be held at Arcadia Cemetery, Arcadia, Nebraska on 02/07/26 at 11:00 AM.