Ralph Stites

Ralph Leon Stites, of Mound City, Kansas died May 14, 2011 at the Olathe Medical Center, he was 77. Ralph was born December 2, 1933 to the parents of Harry and Viola Kline Stites in Parker Kansas. He joined the Army in 1955 and served as a baker while stationed in Japan. He returned to the states and on October 25, 1959 married Donna Bishop at a ceremony at the Blue Mound Federated Church. Out of this union were born three children: Linda, Andy, and Lori. Ralph became a farmer and stockman while also trying his hand at other business ventures. He enjoyed his family, gardening, his dogs, restoring and viewing antique tractors, collecting marbles and lanterns and woodworking. He was always ready to help when anyone needed assistance and ready to chuckle when something was funny. His parenting style was to begin his correction with the use of the ultimate phrases of reprimand, beginning with the words "Now Honey Bun..." or "Now Sweetie Pie..." and it worked every time. He was even less stern with his three grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Andy Stites. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Donna Stites of the home, daughter Linda Simons and husband Jim of Mound City, daughter Lori Stites of Olathe, and three grand children: Grant Simons of Pittsburg, Heather Simons of Lawrence and Allison Simons, Mound City. Ralph is also survived by his sister Mary Pullen of Shawnee, and brothers: George Stites of Fontana, Harry K Stites of Saint John, Clayton Stites of Osawatomie, and Owen Stites of Prescott. Funeral Service will be held 10 AM Tuesday May 17, 2011 at the Wall Street Christian Church. Burial will be in the Sunny Slope Cemetery, Blue Mound, Kansas. No formal visitation. Ralph will lie in state from 1 PM to 7 PM Monday at the Coffel-Schneider Chapel, Mound City. The family suggests contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, c/o Coffel-Schneider, P.O. Box J, Mound City, KS 66056. Arrangements: Coffel-Schneider, Mound City.