Doris Ann Stueve

Doris Ann Stueve, 85, Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully, Monday, May 12, 2025. Doris was born October 22, 1939, the daughter of Riley and Grace Speaks. She grew up in Fredonia, KS and later moved to Topeka where she met and married the love of her life, Duane Stueve. They had 10 wonderful years together until his death in 1975.

For over 35 years, Doris proudly served as a Registered Nurse. Her compassionate care touched the lives of the most vulnerable: newborns and new mothers at St. Francis Hospital and Dr. Robert Pfuetze’s OB/GYN office; children at Pediatric Associates; and finally, the elderly at Brewster Place. To Doris, nursing wasn't a past profession; she would readily remind anyone, "I'm still a nurse." Driven by her deep commitment to nursing, Doris arranged for her body to be donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center for professional health science education and research.

Doris’s nurturing spirit reached far beyond her professional life. Doris was the person everyone knew they could count on, ready to drop everything to offer support. Her daughters often heard heartfelt stories beginning with, “Your mom was there for me when…” She was a natural fixer, always ready to lend a hand.

Despite balancing a full-time job and raising three daughters as a single mother, Doris was a dedicated volunteer. Her commitment was evident in her active PTA involvement and her role as room mother during her daughters' elementary school years. Later, she continued her volunteer work with the Red Cross and as an usher at the Performing Arts Center.

Beyond her caring nature, Doris embraced life with joy. She found happiness in gardening, singing, dancing, and playing games. Her most cherished moments were spent with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life. To them, she was, without a doubt, the best grandma anyone could ever ask for.

Survivors include her daughters, Lisa Willis (Scott), Roxane Stueve, Janet Stueve-Willis; grandchildren, Austin Willis (Martha), Tyler Willis (Rebecca), Taylor Willis, and Jake Willis; great-grandchildren, Augustus, Crew, Finley and Maverick; her brother, Dennis Speaks (Vicky); and her sister-in-law, Jane Speaks, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Duane, her son-in-law, Wayne Willis, and siblings, Aladean, Donald, Wanda, Lola, Twila, Gene, Imogene and Roy.

Memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Rose Wood Event Venue, 3216 S.W. 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66614.

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