Anna Louise Stites

Anna Louise (Dysart) Stites passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Parkview Heights in Garnett, Kansas at the age of 78.

Louise was born on September 27, 1946, at the Carter Hospital in Garnett and grew up in rural Linn County near Centerville, the oldest of two sisters born to Walter Dale Dysart and Erma Lee (Gorrell) Dysart.

She was married to her high school sweetheart, Marvin Vail Stites on July 10, 1963. They raised two sons, Lonnie Vail Stites of Spring Hill and Dale Lee Stites of rural Centerville. Marvin died on February 1, 2009.

Louise and Marvin lived for a short time in Pratt before returning to her father's farm in 1980, which is still in operation through their efforts and those of their son Dale.

During this time Louise and Marvin were active volunteers for the Linn County Fire Department and Marvin served in the Linn County Sheriffs Office, eventually being elected Sheriff in 1995. Louise became an employee of the US Postal Service, serving as Postmaster in Centerville, Parker and Colony, retiring in 2009 after 17 years.

Her family having farmed in this area of Kansas for several generations, Louise had a great love of genealogy and history which became an important hobby, resulting in becoming a long time volunteer at the Parker Historical Society as well as President of the Friends of the Parker Public Library. She was successful in proving, and proud to claim, membership in the Daughters of The American Revolution.

Louise had a quick laugh, a kind heart and made many friends throughout her life. She enjoyed the company of others and was always quick to volunteer and serve her community.

Her heart to serve was never more clear than her commitment to family, past and present. She loved and served grandparents, parents and in-laws, helping to farm, entertain, prepare meals, and explore their heritage.

She was preceded in death by Marvin, her grandparents and parents. She is survived by a sister, Susan Martin Dysart of Manhattan, KS as well her children: her son Lonnie Vail Stites and his wife Angie (Lynn) Stites as well as Dale Lee Stites and his wife Jo Ann (Grimes) Stites. She has three grandchildren: Logan and his wife Kara (Mills) Stites, Garrett and his wife Stephanie (Wehner) Stites and Brianna Stites; three great-grandchildren: Connor, Noah and Stella.

Whether it was fishing the Roaring River, sitting in a grain truck, cooking for family or in the company of friends, Louise enjoyed life and made others lives better.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Centerville Community Church, Centerville, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Goodrich Cemetery, Parker, Kansas beside her beloved Marvin, parents and grandparents. Louise's family will greet friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to Parker Historical Society and left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com