Doris Marie Gilbert Ottman

Doris Marie Gilbert Ottman, affectionally known as Grammy to many, passed away April 30, 2024, in Topeka, KS. She was born to Virgil Lamont Gilbert and Harriet (Hattie) Waneta (Henderson) Gilbert on February 21, 1931, in St. Joseph, MO. She grew up in Richmond, MO. and graduated from Richmond High in 1948.

She married Bill Gene Ottman on September 8, 1950. They raised 2 children, Bruce Alan Ottman (Susan) and Brenda Sue Ottman Jarboe in Topeka where Doris worked for many years at Kansas Mutual Ins. and Capper Ins. In 1975, Doris and Bill moved to Hutchinson, KS. where Doris enjoyed a career as a commercial insurance agent for Kline Ins. until her retirement in 1991. Doris was very active in Kansas Insurance Women, serving as President. She also was active in ELKS in Topeka and Hutchinson.

In retirement, Doris and Bill made many wonderful friends RVing around the country and snowbirding in Brownsville, TX. Doris loved to knit and spent numerous hours while on the road in the RV making Afghans. She made more than 15 to be sure she could gift one to each of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren upon high school graduation. She premade four Afghans for safe keeping so her 4 youngest great-grandchildren will receive theirs upon graduation.

Doris and Bill moved home to Topeka in 1997 and shared many happy years close to family and friends until Bill's passing in 2006. Doris spent her last 15 years at home with Brenda, enjoying their family, cats and especially their dog Toby.

Besides her children, Doris is survived by 5 grandchildren: Nicole Jarboe-Paxson (Brian), Kimberley Fund (Jeff), Sonia Jarboe (Joe Schultz), Matt Ottman (Rachel), and Mark Ottman; and 7 great-grandchildren: Luke Ottman, Leah Ottman Prince (Adam), Cassie Fund Adkins (Ryan), Lily Ottman, Nate and Gabe Fund, and Kieran Schultz.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Bill, her half-sister Ruth (Gilbert) Caton and her grandson, Mike Ottman.

In lieu of flowers, please gather with your loved ones and share warm and happy memories of Doris, while feeding her beloved cardinals. A celebration of life will be held in June.