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Betty Stites Obituary

Betty J. Stites was born January 15, 1926 in Bendl, IL. She passed away January 3, 2007, in The Woodlands, TX. Betty was a life long resident of Colorado Springs. Betty's parents were from Colorado Springs but had moved for a very short period of time to Bendl, Illinois where she was born. The family quickly returned to Colorado Springs and Betty then attended Washington Grade School, West Junior High School, finally graduating from Colorado Springs High School in 1944. Betty was most proud of her playing the saxophone in the High School band. She married William Wallace Stites on December 22, 1946. Betty also grew up as a life long member of Bethany Lutheran Church and continued to attend services there until medical needs required her to move to Fort Worth, Texas to be close to family. She followed that family to The Woodlands (Houston), TX. During her life time Betty's first love was supporting her family and participating in numerous family and neighborhood events. She participated in several PTA groups and other charitable groups. After her children left the house she spent several years working for the Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Department as an administrative assistant, retiring in 1988. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Emma (Lemesany) Kosley, husband William W. Stites and a brother Thomas Kosley, Jr. She is survived by her son Richard E. (Marnie) Stites, daughters, Susan Kay (Jerry) Stites and Dixie Leigh (Gregroy) Goldsmith, grandchildren Buddyanne and R.J. Stities, Gregory (Dos) and India Goldsmith. In Betty's later years her pride and joy were her grandchildren which she attempted to spoil in every way possible. While infirmed in her later years she took great joy in watching them grow up. A visitation is scheduled from 4:00-7:00 pm, Tuesday, January 9, 2007, Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO. A funeral service is planned for 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 10, 2007, Swan-Law Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, next to her husband William.

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Published by The Gazette on Jan. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Stites

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Mary Ann (Punk) Cannon

January 29, 2007

Betty was not only my sister-in-law but also my friend. Although we lived miles apart we exchanged gossip frequently. She will always have a special place in my heart and I will truly miss her. Sleep in peace.

india goldsmith

January 19, 2007

im really sorry that i missed my bamas funeral. she was an awesome grandma and i loved her very much. i will miss her greatly.
<3 india

Jodie Busenitz

January 17, 2007

Dick Sue @ Dixie,
I know how badly you will all miss your mother as I will too. She meant a lot to our family and added a great deal to it. I will cherish the memories of all of us being together and the fun that we shared. When you think of your mother put a smile on your face, she would have wanted that as she was always smiling. Much love, Jodie Busenitz (cousin)

Cathy (Cannon) Stwalley

January 16, 2007

To my cousins,

It was sure nice seeing you at your mother’s funeral. Just wish it would have been under better circumstances. Like my sister Toni, I’ll always remember Aunt Betty for her laughter and hugs. Times like this make you reflect on loved ones and appreciate the time you spent with them. I’ll always appreciate the time spent traveling with my own mother to see you all in your time of sorrow.

Karen Berry

January 16, 2007

Dear Susan,
What lovely tributes to your mum! Although I never met her, I was moved to tears as I read them. It's obvious that she was greatly cherished, and that she passed on to her family a huge heritage of warmth, laughter and love. May her memory always warm your heart, even in the midst of the hurt and loss. Lots of love, Karen

Betty Stites (left) with sister-in-law Mary Ann Cannon in 1946

January 15, 2007

Jeff Kosley

January 15, 2007

Dear Dick, Susie, Dixie and all of your family members,

My thoughts and sympathies are with you all. Please know that your mom and dad both have a special place in my heart, as do you all.

Laurie and Bill Dinsmore

January 12, 2007

Betty Stites was ever a person of good will and good cheer. She met life with a smile. In this way Betty was a person to respect, admire and from whom we can all learn. With love,

Buddyanne Stites

January 12, 2007

Thanks to everyone that was soooo supportive and came to Bama's service! She will truly be missed.

Betty Stites' 80th Birthday Party

January 12, 2007

Clarissa Keeling

January 10, 2007

Dear Susan. I am so very sorry to hear of your mother's death. I have such special memories of our childhood days and the many hours spent at your home and your mom's smile and sweetness. Know that you are in my thought, prayers and always in my heart.
Love

Betsy Janssen

January 10, 2007

Susan,
Although Mark and I did not know your mother well, we certainly knew of your love for her. Cherish those special family memories and keep her spirit alive.
Hugs and kisses, Betsy and Mark

Betty with Great Granddaughter Mallory Miller Fall 2002

January 9, 2007

Betty with Great Granddaughter Mallory Miller and Betsy Janssen Fall 2002

January 9, 2007

Stephen Miller

January 9, 2007

To Susan, I cannot fathom losing a mother and friend. I only know your mother through your actions and those are always kind and sweet.
Your granddaughters and Betty's great granddaughters are thinking of you and the Stites family.

Michael Cannon

January 9, 2007

I will remember Aunt Betty for her kindness, consideration, patience, and devotion to her family and friends. Rest in peace.

amy miller

January 9, 2007

I'm currently learning first hand what it is to be a mom- and realizing that it is the most challenging yet rewarding job ever. I'm so sorry that my stepmom (Susan) has lost her own mother. I was only able to meet Betty on two breif occasions. Once during her short visit to Wisconsin in the late 80s, and another short visit while I was in Texas with my own daughter in 2002. However breif these encounters were, I still got a deep sense of what an incredible woman she was- her love of life and humor were insatiable. I can see these attributes in her own daughter Susan. I think I have Betty to thank for such a wonderful stepmom (friend really) - Susan - in my life. My deepest sympathies go out to all families and friends.

Rob Damico

January 9, 2007

Dear Susan, you have been my conduit to your Mom since we courted almost 40 years ago and it was only until after we parted ways in the 70s that I was able to call her Betty. Since then I’ve always felt her strongly in my thoughts and we always had a few good laughs when I called, in spite of her physical condition. Her loss to you, Dick, Dixie, her friends and relatives is clear and yet I can’t help feeling her smile around us all. What better legacy could one leave?
Love, Rob

Betty Danis

January 8, 2007

My Dear Susan -- I haven't seen Betty in many, many years but I remember her clearly. My goodness -- you had to change your clothes every day after school! And that fabulous eastern European fool from Grandma Kosley -- yummy! Betty was an integral part of my adolescence and I will never forget her. And I will always be grateful to her for giving me you!

My love and sincere sympathy,
Betty

Betty Viola Danis

January 8, 2007

My Dear Susan, Dixie, and Dick --

Your mother, Betty, was such an integral part of my adolescence. I haven't seen her in many, many years, yet I remember her clearly. I am so grateful for the relationships.

All my love and sympathy,
Betty Viola Danis

Jack & Beverly Buchanan

January 8, 2007

Betty was a wonderful neighbor of ours for many years. We will surely miss her.

Jerry Simon

January 8, 2007

Betty, Mommo, Bamma, or Mother-in-law, all fit my relationship with Susan's mother. She always had a special place for me as I had for her. Lots of Betty lives on through my loving wife Susan. My deepest sympathy goes to the Stites family.

Beth Whitney Cunningham

January 7, 2007

It's so sad to lose your mommy. I loved to come to your house. Your mother was always very sweet to me. She has three great kids to carry on her legacy. She will truly be missed.

Keith Edmonds

January 7, 2007

Dear Dick, Susan and Families,

Merci and I want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. She was an inspiration to all of us and was so proud of all of you. Our prayers are with each of you today.

Best Regards,

Keith and Merci

Toni Cannon

January 7, 2007

My favorite memories of Aunt Betty is her laughter. She had a great sense of humor and would laugh herself to tears at the funny little things we did as kids. She was a loving aunt and always gave me the best hugs! Dick, Susie and Dixie, I am so sorry for your loss. With love and sincere condolences, Toni

Jane Altenhofen

January 7, 2007

I met Betty the first day I went to college when her daughter Susan was my designated roommate. Susie became my best friend and Betty my surrogate Mom. Even in later years, Betty kept in touch at Christmas and other special occasions. I will miss not hearing from her.

Marty Yadrick

January 7, 2007

I worked with Betty at the Colorado Springs Park & Recreation Department in 1976-77 while I was on hiatus from my studies at CSU. Betty made such a great impression on me with her spunk, her smile, her helpful nature, and her candor. She was a terrific lady and it was an honor to know her.

Ann Everett

January 7, 2007

As far as I know I never knew Betty. I appreciated meeting Susan and Dick at Aunt Ellen's funeral. Susan brings intelligence, warmth and creativity to our friendship. Through Susan I must know elements of Betty. Surely Betty's maternal role inspired her children's character. Hooray for Mothers who embrace their children. Celebrate Betty.

Susan Stites Simon

January 7, 2007

Mommo, you may be gone, but you'll forever be in my heart.

Love, Jookie

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