Ernestine Dougherty 1936-2024

Ernestine “Ernie” Dougherty, 88, died unexpectedly on Dec. 18, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas. She had recently moved to Pine, Colo., after living in Lawrence for almost 10 years.

She was born Feb. 9, 1936 to Ernest R. Beverley and Mildred Kramer Beverley in Kansas City, and she lived in the Kansas City area for most of her life. She graduated from Loretto High School in 1953.

She married Neil W. Early on June 12, 1954; they later divorced. She married Peter T. Dougherty on Nov. 27, 1976, and was married for 41 years. Ernie was always a working mom, and she retired in 2001 as an insurance executive.

She was passionate about her faith, her family and her quilting. She enjoyed traveling with Pete across the country, and in more recent years with family to Arizona and Minnesota. She was a die-hard Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs fan.

Ernie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, one son, two grandsons and a granddaughter.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia Farrington, Overland Park; and Ernie’s and Pete’s eight children: Janice Early, Pine, Colo., Nancy (Mike) Spiegel, Shawnee, Neil (Cheri) Early, Omaha, Neb., Keith Early, Peoria, Ariz., Chris (Jana) Early, Overland Park, Teresa (Byron) Riley, Holton, Deanne (Jay) Arnote, Overland Park, and Patrick (Kathy) Dougherty, Pearland, Texas; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Mass was celebrated in her memory on Saturday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Prairie Village. Per her wishes, Ernie donated her body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. The family requests memorials to the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence, KS 66044.

(PAID OBITUARY)