Linn County News
Published April 23, 2025
Anna Louise (Dysart) Stites passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Parkview Heights in Garnett, Kan., at the age of 78.
Louise was born on Sept. 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 Feb. 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 U.S. 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 longtime 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 clearer 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, Kan., as well as 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 were held at 10 a.m., on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Centerville Community Church, Centerville, Kan. Burial followed in the Goodrich Cemetery, Parker, Kan., beside her beloved Marvin, parents and grandparents. Louise’s family greeted friends on Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 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.
OBITUARIES
Joe W. Mann ~ 09-02-1951 to 07-26-2025

Linn County News Published July 30, 2025 Joe W. Mann, age 73 of La Cygne, Kan., passed away at his home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. There are no services scheduled at this time. Contributions are suggested to the Schneider Funeral Home and may be sent... [More]
Jean Driskell ~ 03-22-1943 to 07-18-2025

Linn County News Published July 23, 2025 Jean Driskell, age 82, formerly of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Friday, July 18, 2025. Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, La Cygne Chapel. Visitation... [More]
Burton Clyde Brownback ~ 05-21-1953 to 07-13-2025

Linn County News Published July 16, 2025 Burton Clyde Brownback, age 72, Tri-Ko resident in Osawatomie, Kan., passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Clyde and Shirley Drake Brownback. He graduated from Prairie View... [More]
More Obituaries
- Ruth Ann Antrim ~ 05-21-1951 to 07-07-2025
- Helen Maxine Wright ~ 05-28-1939 to 06-19-2025
- Kelly Kehl ~ 03-25-1938 to 06-28-2025
- Kandi Kay Cruse ~ 03-29-1958 to 06-27-2025
- Jessica Cae Pritchett ~ 08-30-1981 to 06-26-2025
- Jackie Junior “Jack” Hewitt ~ 07-17-1935 to 06-18-2025
- Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025
- Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025
NEWS
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

