Doris Lee Nistler passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, shortly after her 90th birthday.
Born on September 5, 1936, to Rose and Robert Nistler, Doris was the youngest of their five children. She grew up with her siblings in the Bevo neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, and was the last surviving sibling.
After graduating from Cleveland High School, Doris worked at Monsanto and traveled the world. She later moved to Santa Barbara, California. She earned her law degree from Whittier College in 1978 and passed the California bar exam on her first try.
Doris began her legal career at Miller & Folse in Thousand Oaks, California. In 1983, she joined four fellow senior associates in establishing a new law firm. Three years later, she opened her own practice, the Law Offices of Doris L. Nistler. She brought intelligence, determination, and a strong sense of right and wrong to her work.
Doris retired and closed her law firm on June 30, 1996. She and her beloved partner, Linda, moved back to St. Louis to be near Doris’s sisters and family. While Linda worked and pursued her master’s degree, Doris learned to cook and took care of the house. Their St. Louis home had a large yard, and on the days Doris wasn’t playing golf, she kept busy tending her garden. Golf was a big part of her life, and she played a couple of days a week in leagues in Creve Coeur and Ballwin and with the St. Louis Women’s Golf Club.
Doris joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in the late 1990s and remained an active member until recently. She held many offices within the organization and especially loved helping with its legal advocacy work and bylaws.
Doris and Linda shared 40 years together, building a life rooted in love, companionship, and mutual support. They were devoted partners who stood by each other through every season of life and celebrated each other’s accomplishments. They traveled extensively to many wonderful places, loved entertaining, and found plenty to laugh about along the way. They especially enjoyed playing games with their game group.
Family was a big part of Doris and Linda’s lives. They treasured time with their relatives and built friendships so close that their friends became family, too. Linda was a constant presence at Doris’s side, and the two shared a deep understanding of one another that grew through the years. Their home was a place where people felt welcomed, cared for, and included.
As Doris’s health began to decline, she and Linda downsized and moved to The Willows at Brooking Park in 2018. They faced this transition together, making a new home and continuing to find joy in their community and in each other’s company. Doris enjoyed being part of the community there. She played mahjong and bridge, joined the music club, and was instrumental in writing the bylaws that established the resident’s council. Music had long been part of her life; she played the piano for most of it. As she became unable to do many of the things she once loved, mystery puzzles kept her entertained.
Doris was generous, loving, funny, sincere, and strong-willed. She knew herself, knew what she wanted, and held firm to what she believed was right. She was a wonderful partner to Linda and a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Those who knew her will miss her kindness, her sense of humor, quick wit, and the joy of being with her.
SERVICES: Graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park (10180 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Such an amazing lady. I will miss her quick wit and the fun times. Such a joy to know her.
Peace and comfort to family and friends.
Doris, was quick witted, strong, and one of the most intelligent women I know. She challenged Juliet, (my wife, for those who don’t know us) and my self on many, many occasions, events, and our travels. But we loved her as many do and will never forget the great times we all shared. We will miss Doris Lee Nistler. Juliet & Babe
I worked with Doris at Monsanto when I was very young and inexperienced. She was my boss and my friend. When she left for California I lost track of her. She was a smart funny great example to me of what a woman could do. I’m so happy to know she accomplished so much and had such a good life. See you on the other side Doris.
I so enjoyed both Doris and Linda through AAUW. They were both always very involved. Doris will be missed by many, especially Linda.
While we didn’t have the opportunity to know Doris for very long, we are grateful to have had that opportunity! We will miss her quick wit, playing bridge with her and, occasionally during our early morning walks, hearing her play the piano. She will truly be missed.
Doris was a true Renaissance woman, but more importantly, she had enormous heart.
From Hannah Senesh (1921-1944, poet, playwright and paratrooper) “There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world though they are no longer among the living — These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark.” To our beloved Doris
Doris was part of my second family at The Willows. I had the pleasure of showing Doris and Linda around The Willows and helping them make a big decision. I got to know them well. Doris made me laugh every time I saw her. I was the lucky one to get to see her often after she moved in and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with her because she cared so much. I am going to miss her smile and hysterical commentary. I know Doris will be happy to know that myself, other staff and their friends here at The Willows will take great care of Linda. Till we meet again Doris!
Love,
Jill Walsh
I’ve known Doris for all too brief a time, so I can’t speak to her long list of personal accomplishments. But in these later years, she was an empathetic listener and contributor, generous with her time and energy, witty and sincere. Doris made an impact in her community, and I’m grateful I had the chance to know her.
My heartfelt condolences to Linda and to everyone who loved her.
I only knew Doris in the last 2 years but was impressed by her perseverance as her health declined. She so obviously loved and was loved by Linda. I knew of her many accomplishments and admired her greatly.
I only knew Doris in the last 2 years but was impressed by her perseverance as her health declined. She so obviously loved and was loved by Linda. I knew of her many accomplishments and admired her greatly.
I knew Doris through AAUW, and she was always willing to pitch in on whatever was needed. My deepest sympathy to Linda and Doris’s family.