Deloris Lillian Adams, daughter of Perrin and Agnes (Sanders) Van Fleet, was born January 30, 1931, in Crawford County, Iowa. She grew up in Denison, where she attended school.
On August 29, 1946, Deloris was united in marriage to Russell Adams in Hiawatha, Kansas. Together they were blessed with four children: Patricia, Jayne, Teresa, and David.
Throughout her life, Deloris worked in food service and community care. She served as supervisor of the cafeteria at the University of Missouri and later at the Elk Horn and Irwin School Districts. In 1976, she joined Elm Crest Senior Living Community in Harlan, first as Food Supervisor and later as Activity Director, a position she held until her retirement.
Deloris loved bringing people together. Whether hosting gatherings with friends and family, dancing, playing cards, baking cookies and pork-and-bean muffins, or enjoying old-fashioned plain cake donuts, she found joy in sharing time with others. She was active in the LNO Club, the Harlan Red Hat Society, the VFW Auxiliary #941, and volunteered with her Methodist church, often helping prepare food for funerals.
Deloris passed away on August 13, 2025, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, at the age of 94 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell; her daughters, Patricia Boothe and Teresa Adams; and her siblings.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jayne Adams of Lone Tree, Colorado; her son, David Adams and his wife Peggy of Schertz, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many friends. Deloris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
