Kandy's Celebration of Life

 

Eulogy for Mary Alice “Kandy” Graves Stuart

We gather today to celebrate the beautiful life of Mary Alice Graves Stuart, lovingly known to family and friends as Kandy — a remarkable woman of deep faith, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Kandy was born on May 4, 1925, at home on the family farm in Howe, Texas, with a midwife assisting. She was welcomed into a loving farming family, the daughter of Christian parents who instilled in her the values of faith, hard work, and compassion. Alongside her older brother John and younger brother Frank, she grew up surrounded by the warmth of family, the strength of community, and the guidance of their church.

In 1934, when Kandy was only nine, her mother, Noness, passed away.  After her mother’s death, she took on a nurturing role within her family — watching over her little brother who was 5 by protecting him at school during recess, and later as he grew up by even doing his chores when football practices ran late. Her grandfather would gently scold her for it, but her compassion always outweighed her caution. From the beginning, Kandy lived out what it meant to love sacrificially and to care deeply.

Sundays were a special joy for her. She loved going to church with her grandfathers and cherished those quiet rides together. Even as a child, she found peace and purpose in worship — her faith was not just a part of her life; it was her life’s foundation.

Kandy excelled in school and even played girls’ basketball in high school. It was there that a friend decided they all needed matching nicknames beginning with “K.” The name “Kandy” was chosen for her, and it stuck — a fitting reflection of her sweet spirit and kindness that everyone who knew her could see.

After high school, Kandy showed courage and determination once again by leaving home to attend the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy (which became University of Texas El Paso). She was put on a train (for her first train ride) to travel to college.  Her grandfather gave her $10 upon the condition that she did not tell anyone he gave it to her.

After graduation, while Bob finished law school in Austin, Kandy returned home to Melissa Texas to work in a local bank. On June 7, 1947, they were married in El Paso, surrounded by family and friends — the beginning of a lifetime of partnership and devotion. Together, they moved to start their life in Wichita Falls and built a life defined by service, integrity, and love. 

Bob began his family law practice and Kandy raised two beautiful daughters- the only way she knew how…with faith, frugality and a nurturing spirit.

Even with the loss of their son, Bob, Jr, at a few days of life, Kandy’s faith was not shaken but continued to grow.  She was known for her budget friendly habits that she learned on the farm.  She would wash and fold the aluminum foil to reuse.  As well, she was quick to collect the Christmas boxes after opening to be used for next year, at least I know my Christmas present was in the same box for many years.

Not until recently had Sheri been made aware of how special their childhood had been when several different friends confided in her that the model that Kandy had demonstrated to them showed them that being a good mother was possible in spite of the dysfunction in their own homes.

Kandy remained in Wichita Falls for almost 15 years after Bob’s passing and continued active in Grace Church as a greeter and chaired the Meal Train for many years. 

After she had moved to Wichita Kansas, people would ask her the secret of her health, and she would respond humbly “it’s God”. But she and Bob had ridden 25-mile bike races and played tennis into her late 70’s. She stopped playing tennis in her late 70’s because “she didn’t want to bother anyone if she were to fall and get hurt.”  So, she turned to a safer regiment walking 2 miles and lifting weights at the YMCA 3 days a week well into her late 80’s.

Kandy had sent to Sheri a poem that she had typed a poem and had written on a piece of paper “Humility is accepting the part God has written for us.”

I tried to search the internet for the source of the poem and couldn’t find it, so it may be her own composition.

IN THIS I WILL REST

He will keep me in His love,

And give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

And then ,He will make this trial a blessing.

Working in me the grace that He has prepared for me.

Last, in His good time, He will bring me out again.

How and when He knows, therefore I say-

I am here by God’s appointment,

In God’s keeping

Under His instruction,

For His time.

Kandy’s life was indeed run with perseverance as we are told to do in Hebrews 12:1. And without a doubt she has entered her reward and the rest that has been so richly deserved.

Please pray with me:

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the life of your servant, Kandy— for her faith that inspired us, her love that embraced us, and her example that will continue to guide us. We rejoice that she is now in your presence, reunited with loved ones and surrounded by your glory. Grant us comfort in our sorrow, strength in our memories, and hope in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Mary "Kandy" Alice Stuart Obituary

( May 4, 1925 - October 20, 2025 )

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