16 May 2005

Governor Sebelius to honor Meredith Gear Docking

In honor of former First Lady Meredith Gear Docking, Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Judge Gary Sebelius will dedicate a Kwanzan Japanese Cherry Tree on the grounds of Cedar Crest, the Governor’s Residence, at noon on Tuesday, May 17th. Meredith and Governor Robert Docking and their two sons, Bill and Tom, resided at Cedar Crest from 1967 – 1975.

"For eight years, Meredith Docking represented Kansas with grace, dignity and warmth as our first lady," Governor Sebelius said. “After leaving Cedar Crest, she maintained a respected presence throughout the state and was always a great booster of the state of Kansas.”

Bill and Judy Docking with Bill’s daughter Ruthie, and Tom and Jill Docking with their children Brian and Marjorie, will be in attendance along with former friends of Meredith Docking.

The former First Lady established the Docking Faculty Scholar Program at the University of Kansas. The Docking Faculty Scholar Fund gives salary stipends for outstanding assistant and associate professors to help develop their careers. She was also a member of the Mount Oread Society at KU and the KU Alumni Association. While living in Arkansas City, she spent many years volunteering for the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels program, the Ark City Library Board and various community beautification projects. She also served on the Union State Bank board and on many civic boards. Meredith Docking died on October 27, 2004.

On May 3, Governor Sebelius and Judge Sebelius honored former First Lady Hazel Bowles Avery by dedicating a Kwanzan Japanese Cherry Tree on the grounds of Cedar Crest. Hazel Avery died on August 17, 2004.

Bronze plaques placed at both trees will dedicate the trees to the former First Ladies. The trees and plaques have been paid for by the Friends of Cedar Crest Association, Inc., a non-profit corporation which works to support and preserve Cedar Crest.