Mary C. (Kier) Steuer

Mary C. (Kier) Steuer, age 80, of Washington, Kansas, passed away on September 1, 2025, at Washington County Hospital.

Visitation was held on Sunday, September 7, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family was present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to greet visitors. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 8, at Washington Christian Church with Rev. Eli Sweany officiating. Music was provided by Gay Lynn Manning and Olivia Gaschler, featuring the hymns “Amazing Grace” and “I Can Only Imagine.” Pallbearers were Kaden Leiker, Chase Lane, Hunter Kier, Logan Kier, Kevin Keller, and Leland Cook. Burial will follow at Washington City Cemetery.

Mary was born on December 24, 1944, in Concordia KS, the daughter of Charles E. and Marie “Teri” (Benjamin) Kier. She graduated from Washington High School in 1962 and earned her degree in Social Services from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, in 1966.

After college, Mary lived in Washington, KS, and western Nebraska, where she worked with the State of Nebraska in Social Services until her retirement. She later married Ronald Steuer at the Washington Christian Church, and together they made their home in Washington.

Mary was a dedicated member of the Washington Christian Church and Coterie, and her faith was a true pillar of her life. She lived with a spirit of service, generosity, and gratitude, finding joy in volunteering and caring for others. Mary’s unwavering faith was the corner stone of her life, sustaining her through challenges and inspiring her to serve others with grace and joy.

Mary delighted in shopping—especially at her favorite store, Dillard’s, where she could never resist a 65% off sale—along with cooking, traveling, fashion, home decorating, and nurturing the flowers in her garden. Above all, she cherished her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her great pride and joy.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald; her children, Dan (Michelle) Pianalto of Garden City, KS, and their children, Kaden and Hannah Leiker; Marla Brauer (Tobi Geiger) of Riddells Creek, Australia, and her children, Chase (Sarah) Lane, and their children Noah and Isla, and Carissa Crabtree; Nick (Olivia) Pianalto of Madison, AL, and their children, Madison, Brayden, and Broderick; Alan (Nicole) Steuer and their children, Josh, Owen, and Jamie; and her siblings: Margaret Stratton (Mick), John Kier, and Nancy (Terry) Beeman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Christina “Chrissie” Koester; and siblings Jim Kier and Tom Kier.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit the Washington Christian Church Coterie. Contributions may be sent in care of: Ward Funeral Home, 115 West 2nd St., Washington, KS 66968.