April 15, 2025

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.