Doris Marie Chester
Doris Marie Chester, age 96, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved her dearly, and a legacy that will continue through the generations who knew and loved her.
Doris was born on Saturday, February 15, 1930, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Frank Emerson Liggett and Elsie Margaret (Hill) Liggett. In the early 1930s, her family moved to their family home in Hume, Missouri. During the difficult years of the Great Depression, the family eventually moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1940. Doris graduated from Central High School in Kansas City in 1948.
On February 10, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, Doris married Joule Keith “JK” Chester, the love of her life. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, devotion, and 64 wonderful years of memories together. They were blessed with three daughters, and Doris devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She took great pride in creating a loving home and being there for the people she loved most. Doris enjoyed spending time with her family, especially taking trips to the Lake of the Ozarks and camping. Those early family memories were ones she carried with her throughout her life, reflecting the importance she always placed on family and togetherness.
In October 1987, after JK retired from TWA, the two began a new chapter of their lives when they purchased a small farm in Holden, Missouri. Doris truly found joy in country life. She loved working in her garden, growing flowers, caring for the animals, and enjoying the peacefulness of their home. She found happiness in the simple things—watching something she had planted grow, caring for her animals, spending time with family and friends, and making memories with the people who meant the most to her.
Doris and JK shared a life built on love and companionship, and their home was a place where family and friends were always welcomed. Doris was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, sharing many wonderful friendships and cherished memories with fellow members in both Kansas City and Holden. She and JK were also very active in the Holden VFW, where they enjoyed being involved in the community and spending time with friends. Their 64 years together were a testament to the love and commitment they shared. Even after JK’s passing on February 22, 2015, the memories of the life they built together remained an important part of Doris’s heart.
Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joule “JK” Chester; her daughter, Carol Marie Taylor; her parents, Frank and Elsie Liggett; her brother, Frank C. Liggett; her sisters, Ida Jane Cowan and Margaret Ilene Snodgrass; and her son in-law, Richard Butler.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Marsha Morales and husband Ricardo of Independence, Missouri, and Rosemary Butler of Pleasant Valley, Missouri; her sister, Mary Alice Chenault of Amite, Louisiana; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Each of them will carry with them the memories, lessons, love, and kindness Doris shared throughout her 96 years. Her love for her family will live on through the generations to come.
Doris lived a long and meaningful life surrounded by the people and simple joys she cherished. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call her Mom, Grandma, sister, and friend.
Interment will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri, at a later date to be determined.
Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company.
Online condolences may be shared at www.castfuneralhome.com.
