Doris M. Royal

Doris Marie Royal

A successful farm wife

Upset with current estate tax laws in the 1970's, Doris initiated a petition drive which was circulated in all 50 states and gathered more than 135,000 signatures. Doris traveled to several states speaking about the issue. She nicknamed this tax "The Widow's Tax".

Doris carried those petitions to Washington DC where she testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

Doris's actions resulted in changes in the estate tax law which now excludes transfers to spouses, increases the exemption significantly, and indexes the exemption annually to account for the effects of inflation. Doris was invited to attend the signing of the bill by President Ford. When she began, the exemption was $60,000 and today it exceeds $13,000,000. Doris's efforts allowed countless farms and small businesses to survive.

Doris's efforts not only benefited farmers but also all people who have accumulated family estates.

During her visits to Washington DC, Doris was invited to the Rose Garden at the White House by three different presidents.

Doris was also recognized by many local organizations with gratitude. This all was done at Doris's kitchen table in the Royal farmhouse with the aid of local farm wives.

Doris is Preceded in death by husband: Lloyd Royal; sisters: Eleanor Pratt, Darlene Kreifels, & JoAnn Aschoff; parents: Joseph and Frances Koke. Survived by son: Bob (Connie) Royal; daughter: Karen (Ernie) Pither; 4 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother: Jack (Gloria) Koke.

Visitation Friday (3/1/2024) 5-6:30 PM w/ Rosary 6:30 PM at Roeder Mortuary - Gretna Chapel; Funeral Mass 10 AM Saturday (3/2/2024) at St. Patrick Catholic Church 508 Angus St Gretna, NE;, Private family burial Calvary Cemetery at Omaha, NE.

Memorials to St. Jude’s Children or American Cancer Society.