Doris Jean Pickens Kirby, 83, fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. She was born to Joseph Franklin and Edith Delores Kelley Pickens on March 9, 1943, in Ottumwa, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held, with Pastor Michael Perkins officiating, at Oakland Church of the Nazarene, 3000 - 42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (follow the detour signs as 42nd Street is under construction) on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with family available for visitation at 9:30 a.m. Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Shaul Cemetery, 1339 Bluegrass Road, Ottumwa, Iowa.

Doris was number 8 of 12 children. Upon her arrival, her older sister Phyllis said: "Oh no, not another one!" She graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1961. On September 10, 1966, she married Dale Allen Kirby and presented him with a son, Teddy Joe. Dale preceded her in death on June 21, 1997. She worked at North McDonald's in Ottumwa for many years. She moved to Marion, Iowa, in 2003 to be near family. She worked at Eagle Ridge Dairy Queen from 2003 to 2024 as the "cake lady," using her skills in cake decorating for their ice cream cakes. She enjoyed taking photos and videos at family gatherings and transferring them to DVDs and CDs. She made cakes for birthdays, weddings, and many special occasions. She crocheted to her heart's content. She babysat for many years, loving each moment. Her friend, Diane McCarl, helped her create many flower arrangements for weddings, memorials, and banquets. She dabbled in oil painting, ceramics, and a variety of crafts. She taught herself how to use the desktop computer in the 1990s and loved making personalized family calendars and cards for all occasions. Her talents seemed endless, and she used them to bless many! 

Those left to grieve her passing include: Her son, Ted, and his wife, Karen; grandchildren, Brianna (Tyler) Marsceau and Bryce Kirby; Maleah Kirby; great granddaughter, Oakleigh; Siblings, Joyce (Mark) Leaver, Sheboygan, WI; Pat Gosnell, Marion, IA; Dennis (Debbie) Pickens, Marion, IA; and Bob (Dianne) Pickens, Cedar Rapids, IA; and in-laws who accepted her as a sister: Delores Wilkins, Marilyn Paulding, Mark (Donna) Kirby, Clem Gerhartz; Cecil Norris; and many very special nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by: Her parents, her husband, siblings Mary (LeRoy) Renfrew, Don (Jean) Pickens, Jim (Pat) Pickens, Dan (Sue) Pickens, Phyllis Gerhartz, Betty (Harold) Winningham, and Sandra Norris; in-laws Ted Kirby, Ken and Ruby Paxton, Carole Kirby, David Kirby, Barbara (Bud) Ash, Patty (Don) Downing, Dick Wilkins, Ken Paulding, and Earl Dobbs.

 A special "Thank You!" to Aunt Pat Gosnell: You were of tremendous support and care for Doris and her family! You were the hands and feet of Jesus on many days! We love and appreciate you so very much! Also, "Thank You!" to St. Croix Hospice of Hiawatha, Iowa, for assisting us on the "roller coaster of life" with Doris!