Doris Loraine (Herrmann) Oltmann

Doris Loraine Oltmann, 80, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 24, 1946, in Litchfield, Illinois, and grew up on her family farm near Raymond, Illinois.

She graduated from Lincolnwood High School in Raymond and attended Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University. She met her future husband, Philip Oltmann, through the 4-H club during high school. They were married on June 12, 1966, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Nokomis, Illinois.

The couple began their married life in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, where their eldest daughter Michelle was born. They later moved to Cortland, Illinois, where their daughter Denise and son Kenneth were born in nearby Dekalb. In Dekalb, Doris and Phil enjoyed square dancing, and Doris worked with the local Head Start program.

The family moved to Uvalde, Texas, in 1980. There, Doris began her long career as a dedicated school teacher in Uvalde and Batesville. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Sul Ross State University. Doris and Phil were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church, where they served as youth group leaders for many years.

Upon retirement, Doris and Phil moved to Granbury, Texas. They loved hosting their grandchildren and extended family at their creekside home. They traveled extensively throughout their lives, and they visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and many European countries. There were countless memorable family road trips across the United States, exploring the nation’s wonders and visiting relatives from coast to coast.

Doris and Phil became certified Master Gardeners and were active in the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Association. Their home featured exquisite gardens that were especially beautiful during the annual monarch butterfly migrations. They were also active at Trinity Lutheran Church of Weatherford. Later in retirement, they moved to Abilene to be closer to their daughter Michelle’s family. In Abilene, Doris continued gardening with the Big Country Master Gardeners Association, enjoyed her sewing club, and she and Phil were members of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Philip Oltmann; her daughter Denise (Oltmann) Ward; her parents Christopher Herrmann and Fleeta Lorean (Nation) Herrmann; her sister Clarice (Herrmann) Allen; and her brothers Charles Herrmann and Jack Herrmann.

She is survived by her daughter Michelle (Oltmann) Boyland and husband Kurt Boyland of Abilene; her son Kenneth Oltmann and wife Heather Oltmann of Murphy, Texas; six grandchildren: Trek Boyland and wife Catherine, Katherine Boyland, Kelly Boyland, Alaina Cavin, Ryan Oltmann, and Olivia Cavin; and a soon-to-be great-grandchild.

Doris was a wonderful, loving mother to Michelle, Denise, and Ken. She was a proud grandmother who made every grandchild feel cherished. An avid gardener, baker, quilter, and traveler, she found her greatest joy in family—whether sharing her award-winning chocolate pumpkin bread, playing cards (often winning despite claiming not to remember how to play), or simply gathering around the table with coffee, tea, and conversation. She loved birds, bugs, and flowers, and her warmth and hospitality made everyone feel welcome and seen.

A certified Master Gardener, devoted volunteer, and faithful servant, Doris lived with unwavering Christian faith. She faced her final days with peace, knowing “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

She will be deeply missed, but the family finds comfort knowing she has been reunited in heaven with her Savior, husband Phil, and daughter Denise.

A graveside funeral service will be held at a later date (TBD, likely in May or October 2026) at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church cemetery near Nokomis, Illinois. There are not plans for a local funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Big Country Master Gardeners Association or Lutheran Bible Translators.

Rest in peace, Mom. We love you. ❤️