Candace Susan Stuke, 72, passed into the loving arms of God on March 28, 2022, at home in Seneca, Kansas. 

She was born in Everett, Washington on April 14, 1949, to Ronald and Dorothy E. Welborn Dunham. She was raised partially in Everett but finished schooling in Elk Grove, California. 

In May 1973, she married Stephen (Steve) Stuke in Reno, Nevada. They were shortly thereafter transferred to Athens Greece to complete Steve’s military service in the USAF. Upon returning to California, Candy attended cosmetology school and received her California license. To be closer to family, they moved to Seneca, KS, where Candy opened Candy’s World of Hair now known as Teresa’s Styling and Tanning Salon. For a short period of time, Candy moved to Florida, where she helped her sister Laurie raise horses, and managed properties for Clarence Clemons, as well as his travel for musical performances with Bruce Springsteen. Candy also spent many years opening and managing new businesses that came to Parsons, Kansas and DeSoto, Kansas while living there. She very much enjoyed a time of helping SPED young adults in DeSoto with their life and career building skills. 

Fewer things in Candy’s life brought her more joy than her children and grandchildren, and she spent as much of her precious time with them as she could. She was a flower child of the 60’s, loved her kitties, enjoyed playing cards, gardening – no doubt she had two green thumbs, working with horses, cooking, baking, and was famous in the family for her wonderful thick apple pie and cinnamon pie crust and chocolate chip cookies. She loved to dance and especially loved learning new line dances. She absolutely loved Christmas and gift giving, but most especially the wrapping of presents with her unique beautiful bows. She watched the Professional Bull Riders on television at every opportunity and attended their performances in Kansas City annually. Candy was a woman of indomitable spirit, she was forthright in her convictions, and never failed to have a positive attitude even in the face of all the struggles she had overcome. As quoted by her youngest grandchild, “She just loved her family so much, and always had a chocolate bar to give them.” 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Dorothy; her brother, Randy Dunham; her father-in-law, Leonard (Bud) Stuke; and brother-in-law, Michael Stuke. 

Candy is survived by her husband, Stephen Stuke of Seneca, Kansas; two daughters and their spouses, Eva & Troy Taylor of Goddard, Kansas and Sherri & Taylor Parlier of Andover, Kansas; two sisters, Laurie Dunham and Cindy Bogard, both of Florida; five grandchildren, Dusti, Ellie, Jack, Eden, and Wyatt, and her first great-grandson on the way in July. She is also survived by her very dear to her heart mother-in-law, Cecilia (Cedar) Stuke, of Seneca, Kansas, her best friend whom she considered a sister, Janet Streit, of Seneca, Kansas and three nephews and their families. 

At her request she wanted cremated and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date, to be announced. Condolences may be sent to: 1279 132^nd Road, Seneca, Kansas 66538.

Memorials will be designated later.