Doris Anne Peterson

Doris Anne Peterson, 91, of Platte City, Missouri, peacefully went to her eternal home on August 15, 2026, in Kansas City. She was born on April 26, 1935, at her family home in Ellis, Kansas, to Anna Marie Armbrister and Christian Armbruster.

Doris grew up on the family farm in Ellis alongside her siblings, Alberta, Gerald, and Carol. She graduated from Trego County High School in 1953. Doris discovered her calling early in life while working after school at a restaurant—peeling 100 pounds of potatoes one day and cutting them into French fries the next. Learning every facet of the business sparked a lifelong, cherished career in the food service industry.

On March 19, 1954, Doris was united in marriage to Robert E. Wagg in Ellis. The couple returned to the family farm and were blessed with six children. The family later moved to Ogallah, Kansas into a home with modern comforts, including running water and indoor plumbing. Throughout the years, Doris shared her culinary talents across numerous restaurants, a hospital, and a school cafeteria. In 1975, she realized a dream by opening Mom’s Place on Main Street in WaKeeney, Kansas. A welcoming spot where even the “old fellas” affectionately called her “Mom.” She baked bread, cinnamon rolls, and pies from scratch each day. The family relocated to Hoxie, Kansas in 1979, where she worked at Taylor’s Place and later opened the Sheridan Inn restaurant. She remained famous for her baking, and patrons quickly learned to pick out their chosen slice of pie before ordering dinner.

Following a divorce, Doris married Ron Peterson in the late 80’s and moved to Oxford, Nebraska opening her heart to her sister’s children, Butch, Tim, Pam. Candy, and Eric Bowman. There, her love of cooking continued as she ran the Hotel Dale restaurant alongside her son, Duane, and later worked at Runza in Holdrege, Nebraska.

Doris lived a life filled with generosity, faith, and community. She was an active member of her Lutheran Church women’s group and dedicated time to 4-H and County Extension, where she lovingly passed down the art of pie-making.

In 2010, while doing what she loved most—baking a pie—she suffered an aortic dissection. Facing health challenges, with grace and resilience, she moved in with her daughter, Anna, in Platte City. There, she built her strength and quickly embraced her new community. She found great joy with her Platte City United Methodist Church family, where she found love and purpose. She baked communion bread, served on the Fellowship Committee, and was a confirmation sponsor. She adored her YMCA community where she received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018 and was the star of YMCA National Hug Day, where members gathered around to receive her famous “hugs.” She also looked forward to walking with her neighbors and friends, affectionately known as the “Street Walkers.”

Doris showed up with warmth and enthusiasm for every event she was invited to. Every year, she helped her daughters Judy and Anna cook at the Herbster Angus bull sales, set up Conklin conventions, and assisted with the PCUMC Election Dinner at church. She loved her family and was always present, she enjoyed cheering on her grandchildren at their activities, snuggling her great-grandbabies, and celebrating milestones—including her grandson Eli’s wedding in California three weeks before her passing. During her final days, Doris was blessed to meet, hold, and snuggle her great-great-granddaughter, Adaline.

Doris was deeply cherished by her family and beloved throughout the entire community, standing as an honorary mom and Granny to countless people. She loved each of you dearly.

Doris is survived by her loving family: Her late daughter, Judy Herbster’s, husband: Charles W. Herbster 

Sandy Schaben and husband Jim, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Amy and Don Blaser (Macy and Austin Rollman, Kolby and Saylor Blaser, and Lexi); Amanda and Mark Schwarz (Madison and Adam Ornduff, Cameron and Brenna Schwarz and their daughter, Adaline); and Aaron and Jenna Schaben (Madden, Linden, Roman).

Her late son, Duane Wagg’s, daughter: Tamara Perez and husband Charlie (Aden, Alissa, and Adam).

Anna Cooper and husband Mark, along with their children and grandchildren: Samantha and Austin Cauthon (August, Oliver); Alex and Rachel Cooper (Florence); and Eli and Alisha Cooper.

Sherri Willgohs and husband Dan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Anna Marie Armbruster; her siblings, Alberta and Carol; two daughters, infant Jeanne and Judy Herbster; and her son, Duane Wagg.

Doris’s final wish, to donate her body to medical research, was granted. Her body was accepted by the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Platte City United Methodist Church, 14040 Hwy N, Platte City, MO 64079; Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m., Celebration Service 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. A family graveside service will be held at a later date in Ellis, Kansas.

Doris’s light shone brightly. We plan to celebrate in color on Saturday. Please join us, in your favorite color, to celebrate her life.

To honor her love of cooking and the fellowship that comes with serving good food, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Platte City United Methodist Church Kitchen Improvement Fund and give somebody a big hug today. https://plattecityumc.com/give