Doris Jean Deggs Kraus

Funeral services for Doris Jean Deggs Kraus, 87, of Corrigan will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church Corrigan with Brother Marty Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Chester.

Doris Jean was born in the Piney Bottom of Corrigan in Polk County, Texas on October 27, 1938 to James Dixon (Jim) and Minnie Nora Cherry Deggs, and passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026.

She graduated from Corrigan High School in 1957. Doris Jean married Charles R. (Butch) Kraus on June 8, 1957, after graduation. Though they lived in a few different locations they made Chester, Texas their home. After Butch’s passing, Doris, moved back to Corrigan and resided there until her passing. She was a member at Caney Creek Baptist Church in Chester. Doris was a lifetime member of many organizations including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas & Indian Affairs and the Eastern Star. She was very proud of her heritage and researched her family’s genealogy from their immigration to the United States as well as her native American roots. She cherished her modest upbringing and taught her children to work hard and value their achievements and possessions as she knew how hard they were to acquire. She had various occupations such as a USDA Poultry inspector, postal carrier and a scaler at E&L Lumber Co. in Woodville, Texas. Her greatest job was that of mother and “Meme.”

But to know Doris Jean was to know she was a fan of all things sports related. She was an outstanding athlete and accomplished basketball player. She played on the High School Varsity team when she was in Jr. High School and competed with the boys during lunch hours or anytime she heard a ball bouncing. She also played softball in many different leagues as an adult. As her family grew Doris Jean coached her children and others throughout the years. She followed her children to any event they competed from football to tennis…Regardless of their age, she was there supporting her kids and everyone knew it. She cheered and coached them from the sidelines with a passion that you had to witness to describe. You could find her at any adult softball tournament where her kids were playing. She was also known as “Mama Doris” to many that weren’t her biological children and she rooted them on as well (if they weren’t competing against her or her kids.) She was a fierce competitor. As her grandchildren came and began to participate in activities, Meme fell right in line and followed them while she was able. Most people knew that she was either your strongest advocate or your worst enemy. It was up to them to pick the right side. She lived by the Ten Commandments and quoted them daily to her children and grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with her family. She welcomed her children’s friends into her home and provided for them just as her own. (As long as they took their shoes off at the door.)

She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Jean Ogden, Sandra Gayle Burris and husband Ryan, and son-in-law John David Risinger. She was “Meme” to 6 grandchildren, Tyler Ogden, Katy Burris, Rachel Risinger, Carrie Burris, Kelsi Risinger and Jake Risinger, and one great-granddaughter, Cerenity Ogden. She leaves behind many close friends and family but especially the families of Robert and Nancy Moore, Larry and Jann Blackerby, Jerrel and Carol Whitworth, and Billy and Mary Alice Fisher. Thanks to Olive Branch Hospice and her caregivers Taylor Williams and Jessica Guajardo.

Doris Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Nora Deggs; her brother James Arthur Deggs; sisters, Gracie Lee Hubbard (Woodrow), Mary Allie McClendon (William), Lila Faye Norris (Jim), and twins. She was also preceded by her husband of 53 years, Charles R. “Butch” Kraus; son, Jimmy Frank Kraus; and daughter Mandy Kay Kraus Risinger.

Pallbearers will be Kris Moore, Bobby Moore, Phillip Moore, Bob David, Jake David, and Michael Risinger.

Honorary pallbearers will be her Grandchildren and Ricky Lynn Payne.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Baptist Church Building Project, 103 North Collins, Corrigan, Texas 75939.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Corrigan, directors.