Barb Doyel

Barbara Ann Doyel was born on October 15, 1932, in Manilla, Iowa, one of five children born to Paul Daniel and Faith Delight (Culver) Robertson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Methodist faith. Barb grew up in Manilla, where she attended school and made many lifelong friends.

On August 2, 1950, Barb was united in marriage to George Thomas Doyel at the Methodist Church in Manilla. The couple made their home on the Doyel family farm, located seven miles southwest of Manning in Shelby County. Together, they raised their two children and worked side by side tending to the farm. In addition to her busy life as a homemaker, Barb worked part-time for several years at the L&M Bowl and provided childcare for family and friends. The couple moved to Manning in 1998 and later Barb moved to the Terrace Apartments where she formed many close friendships.

Barb was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, and, in the early years of their marriage, she and George were active in square dancing. Both of them participated on bowling leagues at L&M Bowl, and Barb also served as treasurer of the women’s league. The couple loved following their children and grandchildren’s activities, attending countless sporting events and dance recitals over the years.

A devoted sports fan, Barb especially loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Chiefs. She and George also enjoyed traveling with friends, particularly on trips to Las Vegas, and spent many winters fishing in Port Aransas, Texas.

Barb was an excellent cook and baker who took great pride in preparing delicious meals for her family. Her homemade noodles with beef and gravy, fresh bread, and cinnamon rolls were family favorites at every gathering.

A day after turning 93 years, Barb passed away at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning. Barb is preceded in death by her parents; husband George Doyel; stepfather Guy Wilfong; stepmother Mildred Robertson; brothers Donald Robertson and Larry Robertson; sister, Myrna Murray; brother-in-law, Bob Murray; and sister-in-law, Shirley Robertson.

Barb is survived by her son, Thomas Doyel of Manning; daughter, Diana (Dennis) Jahn of Anita; eight grandchildren: Travis Doyel, Melanie (Ahmed) Doyel, Zachary (Mandy) Doyel, Brandon (Nathalie) Doyel, Jacob (Roxi) Doyel, Dustin Jahn, Desiree (Mike) Jahn and Demi Jahn; great-grandchildren: Mya, Jaxon, Austin, Brody, Olivia, June, Kaden, Jacob, Dayton, Ryder, Lyric, Desmond, Nancy and Stone; brother, Dan (Kathy) Robertson of Louisburg, Kansas; sister-in-law, Marcia Robertson of Plano, Texas; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

Her prayer service and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Manning with visitation held during the luncheon. Inurnment will follow in the Manning Cemetery. Her family will direct memorials.