Arion Florice Doyle (1926-2024)

Arion Florice Doyle, at the age of 97, passed away at the home of her daughter on April 23rd, 2024 in Milwaukie, Oregon.

Arion was born in Kansas City, Kansas in 1926 to Mary and Arthur Ballance Sr. She was the fifth of nine children. Arion was intelligent and determined and after graduating from nursing school, began working full time at local hospitals. She went on to pursue her BSN and ultimately achieved her Master's degree in Education. She was proud of her accomplishments during which time she helped to shape the future generation of nurses. She held very high standards for herself and those around her. During her time as a nursing instructor, her colleagues had a high level of respect for her because of her meticulous work ethic. While in Zaire, Africa, she discovered a true sense of mission providing medical care alongside doctors and missionaries in that region.

She loved the Lord. She took much pride in the fact that her elders were the founding members of Kansas Community Church, where her family continues to maintain membership. In Edwardsville, Kansas she was a member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with her husband and their children. In West Linn, Oregon the family joined Calvary Baptist Church and each year with great enthusiasm, Arion was proud to organize the children's Christmas performance.

Arion enjoyed vacations with her family, especially camping and cross country travel. It was one of these experiences where she fell in love with Oregon and the tall evergreen trees, clean rivers and beautiful Mt. Hood. When returning home from that trip, she and her husband made the decision to move to Oregon. After retirement, they continued traveling. They became snowbirds, spending winters in Arizona. She also enjoyed traveling with Anderson, as his passenger in the seat of their Honda Goldwing, as members of the Motorcycle club called "The Retreads," a group of retired motorcycle enthusiasts.

Family was very important to Arion. She loved to host gatherings in the home. At these events with family and friends she would prepare unforgettable feasts that always included three to four choices of homemade desserts that she prepared the night before.

Anderson and Arion shared 57 years in marriage. He preceded her in death as did two brothers, and all four sisters. She is survived by her children Charles Birdwhistle of Nevada, Walter [Melissa] Doyle of North Carolina, and Kathy Cassandra Doyle of Oregon, as well as two brothers, Errol Ballance of Kansas City and Jasper Ballance of Los Angeles, two granddaughters, Ericka Ann Doyle and Emma Jo Newman [Jonathan], and many loving nieces and nephews.

The condolences and prayers that have been extended on behalf of our family are very much appreciated.

A private graveside placement will be witnessed by family on Thursday, May 30th, 2024.

A Repass will be held Friday June 7, 2024 at 6:00PM at Kansas City Community Church
5901 Leavenworth Road Kansas City, KS 66104