Dora Dean Harris- Stark passed from this world peacefully on April 5th, 2025, at the golden age of 94. Dora was born on January 24, 1931, to Edward Calvin Harris and Lula May Anderson. Dora was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Frank Burnell Stark; sister Phillis, brothers George and Edward (Bud). Still living is her sister, Rayola.
Dora met Burnell in Ely, NV, when she was riding the school bus. She noticed a young “blonde Elvis” type walking past and whistled at him out the window. Soon after, they went on a double date, where their friends dared them to get married. Both being spontaneous spirits, they got married on February 19, 1948. The rest is history! The two kept the marriage a secret from their families for a year so Dora could graduate from high school and get her diploma. Education was very important to Dora and her family, as was music, which would later play a huge role in her life.
After high school, Dora and Burnell moved to Fallon, NV, where they would live most of their adult lives. The couple had three children. Lance Frederick Stark (Janet), Barbara Lewis (W. Bruce Lewis), and James Calvin Stark (Leslie). Dale and Linna Thomas, (related to Janet Ufford-Stark), were adopted into the family, along with their children. Dora and Burnell had 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, who were the light of their lives.
Dora and Burnell's favorite pastime was water skiing and boating at Lake Lahontan Reservoir. They purchased the famous “Ape Ship” jet boat when their kids were in their late teens and would go out almost every weekend. A tradition that would be passed down to their grandchildren, who many have bought their own boats and are passing that love down to the great-grandchildren! Dora enjoyed many hobbies like yard sale shopping, cooking (best homemade gravy ever), playing pinochle, and going for morning walks down the canal road. Most of all, she loved attending EVERY event that her grandchildren had going on. She loved to videotape these events, which accumulated in hours and hours of home movies. She worked at “the Bank” for many many years and accompanied the junior high and high school choirs for more than a few decades. She absolutely loved teaching piano and assisting singers in choir ensemble competitions. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where her musical skills were showcased for all to see. Her music lives on through all her students and still has such an impact on the Fallon Community.
Dora's superpower was her contagious laughter and her ability to be the life of the party. Her house, which was within walking distance from the high school, was always the center hub for gatherings where young and old alike were welcome. Because of all these talents she was crowned Senior Miss Fallon in the early 90s.
We take great comfort that she is with Burnell and other loved ones and her earthly pain is finally over. A special thank you to those who cared for her and loved her over the years. We are so grateful for all the love and support we've seen over Facebook and other platforms, you honor her. Thank you to her eldest son and granddaughter for being primary care takers in her later years.
Her family is holding private services. Messages or comments are greatly welcomed and can be left at SmithFamilyFuneralHomesFallon.com.
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