Sally was born August 13, 1935, in Savannah, IL, the only child of Harold and Marguerite (Carey) Lansford. She graduated in 1953 from Community Catholic High School (St.Mary’s) in Sterling, IL, and married William (Bill) Doering, her husband of 67 years, on September 5, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sterling, IL.
Sally and Bill managed the Tractor Supply Co. store in Sterling for many years before moving the family to West Plains, MO, to realize their dream of starting a farm and home retail business. Sally and Bill opened Western Farm and Home Centers in 1973, working side-by-side for over 35 years. Sally was an active member of St. Mary’s Church and the Elks Lodge in West Plains. She and Bill moved to Springfield, MO, in 2022 to be closer to their daughter, Jill, and her family.
Sally and Bill loved travel and would think nothing of jumping in the car for long road trips. They traveled the country and abroad often, visiting family and friends and making new ones along the way. They took several vacations with Sally’s first cousins, Joyce and John Teuscher, returning home recounting so many fond memories and stories of mischief that Bill and John often found themselves in. Sally and Bill spent many winters in Orange Beach, AL, where they created a close community of friends. They also made frequent trips back home to Sterling-Rock Falls to visit family and lifelong friends.
Sally was beloved by many generations for her generosity and an always-open door. She always had a pan of Joyce’s Polish Brownies at the ready for visitors or a last-minute church or community function. She was known as “Grandma” to many friends of her grandchildren. The house was always open to family, friends, and friends of friends visiting from out of town. She was always up for a game of cards and dominoes, enjoyed trying her luck at a casino, and taking trips to Branson to see shows. Daniel O’Donnell was her favorite.
Sally will be missed by her children, Bill (Cathy) Doering, Jr. of Rock Falls, IL, Vicky (Roland) Salas of Rock Falls, IL, Jill (Greg) Williams of Springfield, MO, Doug (Vonna) Doering of West Plains, MO, and Kelly (Mark Oldenburg) Doering of Madison, WI. She was a proud grandma of Jason (Mandi) Williams and Brad (Amy) Williams of Springfield, MO, Brooke (Jamie) Gisi and Kelsi Salas of Rock Falls, IL, and Nick (Billie) Doering of Amboy, IL. She was blessed with nine great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents Harold and Marguerite Lansford, and her in-laws Lawrence (Luke) and Helen Doering.
Sally is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Trout of Arizona, her first cousin, whom she considered her sister, Nancy Walker of Elizabeth, IL, many friends, and caregivers.
Visitation will be from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling with Reverend Carlos Monsalve officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
Sally’s family is very thankful for the loving care and support from the staff at Springhouse Village, Home Instead, and St. Croix Hospice in Springfield, Missouri. Donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America, Alzheimer’s Association or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
