Mary Alice "Kandy" Stuart

Mary Alice Stuart, 100 years old, formerly of Wichita Falls, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26th at Lunn's. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27th in Lunn's Chapel with Reggie Coe officiating. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

She was the only daughter of the late Noness (Rogers) and Marshall P. Graves. Mary Alice, better known as "Kandy," was born on May 4, 1925, in Howe, Texas, at home on the farm. In 1934, when Kandy was only nine, her mother, Noness, passed away. It was a heartbreaking loss that forever shaped her faith and character. In her own words, Kandy shared that during those lonely nights, she began reading her Bible before bed - and it was there, through Scripture, that she first felt the comforting presence of God. That experience rooted her in the steadfast faith that guided her for the rest of her life. Even as a young girl, Kandy's strength of spirit and heart for others were evident. She lived out what it meant to love sacrificially and to care deeply.

Kandy excelled in school and played girls' basketball in high school. After high school, Kandy showed her courage and determination once again by leaving home to attend the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy in El Paso (known now as University of Texas at El Paso). She worked throughout college to pay for her education, joined Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business, focusing on bookkeeping.

It was in El Paso that she met the love of her life, Bob Stuart. In a twist of fate and confidence, Kandy was the one who asked Bob out first - inviting him to a sorority dance. From that moment on, they never dated anyone else. Their love grew steady and sure, grounded in friendship, faith, and shared dreams.

Throughout her life, Kandy was humble, yet always ready to serve when called. Though she preferred being in the background, she led with quiet strength - serving as PTA President, President of the Women's Organization, and later as the first woman on the Board of Trustees for the Wichita Falls Presbyterian Manor. She often insisted that her role was "honorary" and that she contributed very little, but those who knew her recognized the depth of her influence and the example she set.

Kandy's life was a tapestry of faith, perseverance, generosity, and grace. She loved deeply - her family, her friends, and her Lord. She was a remarkable mom and wisely raised her daughters with love. Her life reminds us that greatness often comes not from public recognition but from daily acts of kindness, steadfast faith, and the quiet strength of a servant's heart. She ran her race faithfully, she kept her faith firmly, and now she rests in the eternal presence of her Savior.

Kandy was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, Robert R Stuart in 2000 and their son, Robert Ross Stuart, Jr. 1952, and by her brothers John and Frank Graves.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Filbert, and her daughter Sheri Smith and husband, Dr. John Paul Smith. She is survived by her grandchildren: Alicia Brinlee (Clay), Mandie Speegle (Jason), Kolby Smith (Janae), and Monica Gibbs (Curt). Survived also by great-grandchildren Kendal Brinlee, Kaleb Smith (Mady), Kenzi Smith, Edwin, Isaac and Maggie Speegle and Nora Gibbs, Bailey Venegoni (Jordan), and Layne Swan. And, survived by great-great grandchildren Koltyn, Ansleigh, Kinleigh Smith, and Valen Venegoni.

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be sent to:

Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, 1230 Midwestern Parkway 76302.

Grace Church, 5214 Stone Lake Dr., Wichita Falls, TX. 76310

Asbury Church, 2801 W. 15th Street, Wichita, Kansas 67203

Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E Rockhill, Suite 403, Wichita, Kansas 67206

Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund of Wichita, Kansas,

W 13th Street N, Wichita, Kansas 67212