MEXICO, Mo. — Doris Mariee Whisler (Watson) Tillman entered this world on Nov. 5, 1924, one of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. F.C. (Mariee) Whisler. Doris passed away peacefully on Oct. 11, 2025 in Joplin, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother C.E. Whisler; and her three sisters, Willa Talbot, Elizabeth (Betty) Boehm, and Irma Alice Williamson. 

Doris attended schools in her hometown of Ava, Ill. While living and working in St. Louis, Mo., she met and later married James K. Watson, Jr.  Together they raised four children, James L. Watson (deceased), Janice (Tom) Pivonka, Great Bend, Kan., Cathy Beckfield, Joplin, Mo., and Elizabeth (Betty) Bryant, Houston, Texas. 

Doris and Jim owned and operated Vandalia Bowl, Vandalia, Mo. for many years. Not surprisingly, she was an accomplished bowler. Doris also enjoyed outdoor activities including camping, fishing, and gardening. She was a talented seamstress and knitter, always up to the challenge of a difficult pattern. She particularly enjoyed sewing and knitting intricate doll clothes. Spending time with her sister Betty making quilts, a passion they inherited from their mother, was a source of great joy.

Though the marriage ended in divorce, many happy memories remained.

After retiring from her position as shipping manager at Harbison - Walker Refractories in Vandalia, Doris moved to Mexico, Mo. where she met Leo Tillman. They were married on April 11, 1990, and enjoyed traveling to Montana and Florida, before settling in Casa Grande, Ariz., until Leo’s passing in March, 2003.

In addition to her daughters, Doris is survived by one daughter-in-law, Cynde Watson; six grandchildren, Melanie (Brian) Deterding, Jason Beckfield, Andrew (Kelly) Beckfield, Joe Bear Bryant, Shawn (Rob) Helie and Jeff (Thuy) Pivonka; nine great-grandchildren, Brady Deterding, Brock Deterding, Anslea Beckfield, Carson Beckfield, Ari Beckfield, Melody Beckfield, Johanna Helie, Vienna Helie and Whitley Pivonka; along with numerous nieces and nephews, each with their favorite Aunt Doris story to tell.  

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico, Mo. Memorial donations may be made to Spring River Christian Village in Joplin. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265. Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Arnold Funeral Home

425 S. Jefferson Street 

Mexico, MO 65265

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 16, 2025