Doris K Raney

Doris Kathryn (Martin) Raney, 85, of Holt, MI passed away in her home on September 10, 2026. Doris was born on August 7, 1941, to Lawrence Aurelius and Doris Maud (Hudson) Martin in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Doris went to many different schools while growing up before her family eventually settled in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Doris graduated from Cleveland High School in 1959, then attended Oklahoma State University, majoring in English and graduating in 1963. Doris married Harley Raney on June 21, 1963. They had four children, Michael Wayne (born in 1968), William Patrick (1970), Nancy Elizabeth (1971) and Emily Anne (1973). Doris and Harley lived in Stillwater, Oklahoma from 1963 to 1970, then moved to Princeton, Kentucky. The family remained in Princeton until 1979, then moved to Lexington, Kentucky. In 1983, Doris completed her Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of Kentucky, then began work as a children’s librarian, primarily in the Lexington Public Library system. She later became branch manager for several libraries within the system. Upon her retirement, she returned to Cleveland, OK, where she stayed until moving to Holt, MI in 2016.

Doris is survived by her son Michael and granddaughter Sophia of Bethesda, MD; her son William, daughter-in-law Danielle and granddaughter Willa Fay of Houston, TX; her daughter Nancy and granddaughters Lydia and Harper of Holt, MI. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harley, daughter Emily, and brother Lawrence.

Doris was a wonderful human and mother and will be greatly missed. She had a compassionate heart and tried to see the best in people. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, and had a soft spot for dogs, particularly dachshunds, whom she fostered for many years. She was a steadfast rock of support for her children who relied upon her wisdom and strength. She possessed a keen wit and was an adept problem solver.