Lorita May (Dougherty) Mahoney, 88, of Salina, Kansas and former Bunker Hill, Kansas, resident, died on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.

Lorita was born on October 12, 1928, in Bunker Hill, Kansas, at a family ranch now submerged under the waters of Wilson Lake. She was the daughter of Elmer L. and Nettie (Anspaugh) Dougherty.  She grew up in Bunker Hill and graduated from Bunker Hill High School in the class of 1946.  She graduated and received her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Ft. Hays State University in Hays, Kansas and later attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.  She was married to Robert J. Mahoney in 1946, from this union they were blessed with four children Alan (Rod), Tom, Pamela and Bradley.  She was a Home Economics Teacher in Natoma and Codell, Kansas areas.  She also worked as an agent for the Rooks County Extension and 4-H Offices in Stockton, Kansas.  She was a member of YMCA and Parents Without Partners.  She enjoyed sewing and making clothing, bowling, gardening and using her culinary expertise while cooking for her family and friends.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving family include her son Alan Roderick Mahoney (Jane) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, son Thomas G. Mahoney (Sherrie) of Salina, Kansas, daughter Pamela A. Mahoney (Joan Toben) of DeSoto, Kansas and son Bradley R. Mahoney (Blanca) of Lindsborg, Kansas; brother Elmer L. Dougherty of Laguna Beach, California; sister JoAnn Borthwick of Salina, Kansas; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Douglas D. Dougherty, and former husband, Robert J. Mahoney.

A gathering service to greet the Mahoney family will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Saturday, December 03, 2016, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  A private burial will take place at a later date.  Memorials may be given to Salina Meals on Wheels and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.