Doris Evelyn (Kendall) Kovaschetz

Doris Evelyn Kendall Harrison Kovaschetz passed away on July 6, 2017 at the age of 91. She was born in her grandfather's farmhouse south of Robinson, Kansas on June 19, 1926. Doris was a child of The Great Depression, and during her early years her family moved among several towns in Northeast Kansas as her father found work. Times were hard and they had to move back in with her grandfather several times.

When Doris was 9, her mother's health began to deteriorate, and when she was 11, doctors recommended a move to a milder climate. The family was heading to southern California on old Route 66, but once in Albuquerque her father found a job at the Valley Gold Creamery, so they stayed. Her father built them a one room house on Veranda Street in the North Valley, to which additional rooms were added over the years. Doris’ mother died when she was 14, and she then became the woman of the house for her dad and two brothers.

Doris began attending Sunday school at the First Methodist Church in Albuquerque and was confirmed when she was 13. She also attended the University of New Mexico for a time. After the war, she met her future husband Elbert (Bert) Harrison at the church and they were married six months later. When the Korean War broke out, Bert was called back into the military and assigned to a post in New Jersey, where Doris’ only child, Emmett, was born. Doris was devoted to her son and her support made a huge difference in his life and success. She always took the time to ensure that he was doing well in school, and provided extra help when needed.

The family lived in the Northeast until 1959, and missing the Southwest, was able to move to Denver in 1959, and eventually to Dallas in 1966. After her divorce in 1973, Doris had to restart her career, so she brushed up on her typing and shorthand skills and went to work. But she missed Albuquerque and felt that she was being called to return, so in 1973 she moved back, rejoined the church, which meant a great deal to her, and reconnected with many old friends and family. She soon met her future husband Harry Kovaschetz and they were married in 1974 at the home of her sister in law and best friend from her childhood. Doris spent her final working years in the Department of the Air Force at Kirtland Air Force Base, and retired from there after 17 years. She also strongly supported her husband Harry in his work with the Lions Club, making many new friends along the way.

Doris always faced up to the challenges in her life, starting with The Great Depression and the death of her mother. She never quit, and was a source of strength and caring to many friends and her family.

Doris was preceded in death by her two brothers, Buford (Gene) Kendall, and Norman Kendall; and by her husband, Harry. She is survived by her son, Emmett and his wife, Patsy; granddaughter, Lisa Henrichsen and her husband, Bryan; and her great grandchildren, Kaylee and Kaiya Henrichsen; and her sister-in-law, Dorothy Kendall; as well as many nieces and nephews and Harry’s sons and family.

A special thank you is due to Joanne Kovaschetz for the care she provided Doris at the end of her life, as well as the staff of hospice and Pastor John Moore for their support in her last days. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lions Eye Bank. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at 1st United Methodist Church, 315 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.  Interment will follow the Service 1:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

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