Doris Graff Hartley

Doris Graff Hartley, age 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines.
Born on February 18, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, Doris was the daughter of Theodore and Dorothy (Raven) Graff. She grew up in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood where her father owned a grocery store. However, not Jewish herself, the culture and traditions of the community left a lasting impression on her. Summers were spent in Des Plaines at her grandparents’ home, where her grandfather also ran a store—further deepening her appreciation for family and hard work.
Doris was devoted to her family and spent most of her life as a homemaker, pouring her love and energy into raising her children and supporting her loved ones. She cherished family gatherings and celebrations. Over the years, she also held a variety of jobs outside the home, including at Bonds of Beaverdale, Kings Food Host, Hardee’s, and the Redwood Café.
In her younger years, Doris enjoyed treasure hunting at garage sales with her dear friend Deni Jacobi. Together, they searched for antique dolls, carnival glass, and Fiesta Ware. Doris developed a keen eye for authenticity and value—and she taught her children early on that you should never pay the asking price!
One of Doris’s greatest joys was her Shetland Sheepdog, Mickey, whom she adopted at the age of 85 when he was just 8 weeks old. She took him through obedience classes and walked him faithfully, rain or shine—though she was less enthusiastic when the weather turned cold or wet. “Drying off a shaggy dog is a lot of work,” she’d say grudgingly. Doris was a passionate supporter of animal welfare organizations across the Midwest and beyond.
She also took great pride in her yard and was known to grumble when it got “fuzzy.” Remarkably, she was still mowing her lawn at the age of 96.
Doris is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Braak, and her son, Bud Hartley (Joanne); grandchildren Erin (Matt) Kessler, Dan (Kelsey) Braak, Steve (Tiffany) Franklin, and Stacy (Andy) Richter; and great-grandchildren Wyatt, Ryan, and Reid Kessler, and Addie, Reece, and Millie Richter.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Hartley, in 1979, and her son-in-law, Brian Braak, in 2024.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Doris will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Fuzzy Friends Rescue, or A Heinz 57 Pet Rescue and Transport.
Condolences may be shared at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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