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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

Wayne Eldon Long ~ 07-03-1942 to 05-24-2025

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Linn County News Published May 28, 2025   Wayne Eldon Long, age 82, of Parker, Kan., passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Wayne was born on July 3, 1942, in Garnett, Kan., the son of Homer Leon and Margaret Ethel (Collins) Long. He was one of three children and... [More]

Rees Lyle Shattuck ~ 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025

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Linn County News Published May 28, 2025   Rees Lyle Shattuck, age 93, Prescott, Kan., passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Prescott Methodist Church.  Burial in the Prescott Cemetery.  Lyle will... [More]

John Ted Miles ~ 01-29-1960 to 05-01-2025

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Linn County News Published May 14, 2025   John Ted Miles passed away suddenly May 1, 2025, at the Guest Home Estates Assisted Living Facility in Fort Scott, Kan. He lived at 9 N. Hillside Drive, Holiday Lakes, before his battle with diabetes caused blindness and a... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

SPECIAL: Commission to vote Monday on Parker Center lease

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Linn County commissioners plan to vote at their weekly 9 a.m. meeting next Monday, June 2, on a 99-year lease agreement with Parker and their Senior Center building. At Tuesday's weekly Commission meeting, delayed by a day because of Monday's federal Memorial Day observance,... [More]

Despite Chamber loss, Blast in the Park fireworks will go off

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Council actions include split vote on deed conveyance   Hearing of the disbandment of its local Chamber of Commerce, La Cygne leaders have verbally concurred that the city’s part in the annual Blast in the Park festivities will go on. Following that Chamber notification... [More]

Linn Valley discusses city hall funding sources

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The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present.    Donelson informed the council of two potential opportunities for funding a new City Hall building. ... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State

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The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to West Franklin on May 22 to compete in the 3A Regional. As a team the girls placed 10th with a score of 22.5 points while the boys were fifth with 56 points. This year the top three places in each event qualify for the State meet then... [More]

School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka

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The Pleasanton track team traveled to Eureka on May 22 for a 2A Regional track meet. This year the top three places advance to the State meet along the top four times/distances not from the top three from all other Regionals. This year the Jays qualified eight athletes in seven... [More]

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OBITUARIES POLICY

• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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