Doris L. Waller

Over the course of a long and eventful life, Doris was married three times and was preceded in death by her spouses, Ned B. Bahr, John W. Mielke, and Robert L.Waller. Each marriage marked a distinct chapter, and each loss was borne with resilience, loyalty, and a deep capacity for love. Rather than closing her heart, grief seemed to widen it—shaping a person known for empathy, patience, and quiet strength.

As a young girl, she was a member of Campfire Girls and Job’s Daughters. She was an accomplished classical pianist by the age of 15. Her playing brought joy to family, friends, and audiences alike. Doris was a Girl Scout leader and served in local and state positions in the International Order of Job’s Daughters. This organization builds character in young women through moral and spiritual development, with the teachings based on the Book of Job. She was a member of Delta Theta Chi, a sorority focusing on cultural education, literacy, and community service. She lived on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, for approximately 25 years. During that time, she owned a franchise and celebrated 25 years with H&R Block.

Doris was a devoted daughter, wife, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, sibling, and friend to many, a steady presence in the lives of those she cared for, and someone who understood both joy and sorrow intimately. She found meaning in her work. Her faith in our Lord and her service to others were essential parts of her life, and she was exceptionally generous with her time and listening ear.

Those who knew Doris will remember her kindness, sweet smile, wisdom, and stubborn streak, her stories from many seasons of life, and her unwavering belief in the value of companionship and commitment.

Doris is survived by her daughters, Georgia Schmittling (Gordon), Elaine Bahr (Ray Bucklew), and Jennifer Villatora (Peter); stepdaughter, Nancy Carter; grandchildren, Melanie Richert (Jeremy), Lance Schmittling (Kerry), Amanda Jeffries (Michael), Caitlyn Villatora, Caylyn Longoria (Esai), Meredith Richardson, Lauren Nelson, Nathan Carter (Maggie), and Maggie Lister (Josh); and 17 great grandchildren.

She follows in death her parents, Barton and Pearl Veatch; stepfather, Stein Beck; brother and sister, William Veatch and Virginia Langsford; and stepdaughter, Kam Mielke Nelson.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, with a Visitation at 10 a.m. and the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. In memory of Doris, the family suggests donations to the Heart of America Chapter Alzheimer’s Association, in remembrance of a life shaped by love and the courage to keep loving.