Elaine (Markley) Dopita

Elaine (Markley) Dopita

Elaine (Markley) Dopita, 90, Hays, passed away peacefully in her home on March 19, 2022 after a long and brave battle with cancer.

She was born February 26, 1932 in Plainville to Earl and Agnes (Cobb) Markley.  On July 27, 1948, she married Robert Dopita at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville.  Together they raised seven children in the Catholic faith.

She was a lifetime member of the Plainville VFW Auxiliary Post #8871.  For many years, she was the office manager for the Plainville Dental Clinic, and after moving to Hays worked at Lifecare Medical Services until her retirement.

Her hands were rarely still.  She loved to quilt, kept an immaculate house, and was highly skilled with crochet hooks.  Elaine also enjoyed embroidery, fishing, cooking, gardening, and was an avid reader.  She lived independently in her home and was still solving crossword puzzles and the correct answers on Wheel of Fortune until the week of her passing.  Elaine was fun and had a great sense of humor, always cracking jokes to make people laugh.  Her wit was sharp to the end.

Most of all, Mama Bear loved her children and instilled quiet strength, fierce independence, the value of hard work, and honest moral convictions through example.  Her door was always unlocked and open to welcome any family member who happened to stop by.  Despite a lifetime of more than her share of hardships and heartbreak, she was a natural born fighter and forged ahead teaching her children the meaning of bravery and determination.  Elaine was a beloved mother and proud grandmother. 

Survivors include six children: Helen Stein (Dean) of Hays, Judy Crowell (Trevor) of McCracken, Chris Eilts (Mark) of Hays, Bob Dopita (Nancy) of Claremore, OK, Don Dopita (Patti) of Plainville, and John Dopita (Rhonda) of Hays, 21 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son: Fred Dopita, a brother: Don Markley, and two sisters: Gwen Dreves and Ardis Shook.

In keeping with her humble nature and final wishes, there will be no memorial services.  Private family graveside services in Plainville Cemetery will be held at a later date.  Those wishing to honor Elaine’s life may make donations in her name to Hospice of HaysMed, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories of Elaine may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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