Dorothy Louise Gravenstein

Mrs. Dorothy Gravenstein, 89, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026.

She was born June 30, 1937, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the daughter of William Lester Stead and Elsie Marie Stead. In 1955 she graduated from High School in Baxter Springs, Kansas. She went on to graduate from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas and completed her years of college as a Tri Sigma Sorority member, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

She met her husband in 1956 and on December 21, 1958, she married Monte Gravenstein in Baxter Springs, Kansas. She then moved with him to Fort Worth, Texas for him to complete his Masters from TCU at Brite Divinity School. During her time in Texas she started her first teaching job in Fort Worth, teaching 4thgrade for a year and a half. When he was done, they started their life serving many churches during his career. They served 6 Christian Church Disciple of Christ Churches over a 25 year period. She always sang in the choir at each church and everyone always enjoyed listening to her beautiful voice. During the 25 years of church service she accepted several jobs in each community teaching, Kindergarten. She loved the little ones and enjoyed teaching. She also was a member of PEO. Her biggest job was being a stay at home mom to their 3 children. After their retirement they enjoyed traveling and getting to know other areas of the country. During that time, her husband would do interims in churches while the congregation looked for a new minister. She was a member of Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri.

Survivors include; children Pam Stead, Mark Gravenstein, and Gayle Brunson: her two grandchildren; Laurie Goodwin, (Nathan) and Morgan Giesick, (Brendan); one great grandchild, Stetson Giesick.

Dorothy Gravenstein had a great love for all of her family. Spending time with her was always nice. She was a wonderful person and her children were told many times what a nice and kind person she was. The last few years since her husband passed away she really missed him. It is so wonderful they are back together again, continuing to serve Jesus.

A visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Saturday August 29 at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel in Topeka. The funeral service will follow at the same location. After the service, Dorothy will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery.

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