Jeffery S. Doherty, 59 of Yucca Valley, California, formerly of Aledo, died Monday, February 9, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, February 13, at the Aledo Cemetery, Aledo, Illinois. Memorials may be made to FurEver Friends for Mercer County. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, is assisting the family.
Jeffery Scott Doherty was born on January 11, 1967, in Aledo, to John F. “Jack” and Janice E. (Lingafelter) Doherty. He was a 1985 graduate of Aledo High School where he was active in wrestling and choir. Jeff received a bachelor’s in teaching from Western Illinois University. He then attended Chapman University where he received a second bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree. He was dedicated to teaching and his students at the Morongo Unified School District where he was an education specialist to disabled children.
Design, decorating and landscaping were some of Jeff’s interests. And it showed in his home. It was a tranquil spot he enjoyed with his German Shepherd, Georgie. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting and was especially talented in oil painting.
Jeff is survived by his siblings and spouses, Jay and Wendy Doherty, Jaci and Bill Weckerly, John and Anna Doherty, Jana and Josh Keever, and Mitch and Julie Doherty; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and his teaching family in California. He was preceded in death by his parents.