Doris Louise Gilgus, age 84, passed away on May 5, embraced by the love of her family.
Doris was born to Rose and Herman Plessner on Nov. 25, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri. She met Zolie when they were just 13 and 14 years old through BBYO — a beginning that would grow into a lifetime of love, partnership and devotion. They were married on Aug. 6, 1961, and built a beautiful life together in Overland Park, Kansas, grounded in family, tradition and deep connection.
For more than 50 years, Doris was a devoted member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, where her presence, energy and generosity touched so many. She was a two-term president of the Sisterhood and served on many committees, including helping to create a Yiddish-speaking group to preserve the language and culture that meant so much to her. Doris was a life member of Jewish Women International (B’nai B’rith Women) and a member of Hadassah.
Her compassion extended beyond her immediate circle. Through the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services, Doris volunteered to help Russian émigrés set up homes and integrate into the community. She also found great meaning in volunteering as an advisor to Saudia BBG. Additionally, Doris was a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother, and she remained actively involved in her children’s activities throughout the years.
Doris had a gift for making people feel cared for and seen. Whether through her work as a licensed realtor, her seasonal businesses with Zolie, or later through her business, Polishing the Golden Years, she built meaningful relationships everywhere she went. In her work with seniors, she offered not just help, but companionship, laughter and dignity — treating each person as family.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband and lifelong partner, Zolan “Zolie” Gilgus; her son-in-law, Tim Peavler; her cherished granddaughter, Tori Jade Peavler; her brother, Gerald Plessner; and her sister-in-law, Carole Plessner.
Nothing meant more to Doris than her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children Stephanie and Richard Gatewood, Susan Peavler, Steve and Jill Gilgus, and Sherry and David Worth; and by her cherished grandchildren Danielle Gatewood, Alyssa and CJ Schwartze, Trey Peavler, Brett, Jeff, and Kelli Gilgus, Alex Worth and fiancée Rachel Kaseff, and Rebecca Worth. Her grandchildren brought her endless pride and joy.
Doris also leaves her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Deanie and Arnold Vogel, and Cinde Gilgus, as well as numerous cousins and extended family whom she loved dearly. She will also be deeply missed by her nephew Mitchell Plessner and nieces Janice Plessner and Ellen Lorenz.
Doris treasured her lifelong friendships with Harriet Slotnick, Joan Levinson and Joan Kort. She was passionate about her Jewish faith and her love of music. Her home was one of warmth, conversation and laughter. She had a way of bringing people together and making ordinary moments feel special.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers in the Weissman Neighborhood at Village Shalom, and to the incredible team with Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, including Shawnee, Melinda, Jenny, Michelle, Crystal, Gloria and Brenda, as well as volunteers Liz and Darrell, whose kindness and care meant so much during this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care or to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
Funeral services were held on May 8 at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery Chapel.
In honoring Doris, the family hopes her legacy of love, kindness and community will continue to live on through all who knew her.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.