Dorothy K. Stites

Dorothy K. Stites, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at Kenwood Plaza in St. John, Kansas, just two days shy of her 87th birthday. Born on June 27, 1939, in rural Mound City, Kansas, the daughter of Leo and Cettie (Curran) Laird.

Dorothy moved to St. John in 1965 when Harry took a job at St. John High School. She served as Stafford County Clerk from 1985 to 2005. Dorothy's impact extended far beyond her home. She was deeply involved in civic life. Among her proudest accomplishments was serving as President of the Kansas County Clerks and Elected Officials Association in 2002, and was a driving force in the Tomorrow Committee, which was instrumental in starting the St. John Jubilee in 1979. She also served as a member of the Library and Mental Health boards.

During her retirement Dorothy enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the thrift store in St. John, gardening, camping, crafting, reading and visiting her sisters in Linn County, KS.

Dorothy was the beloved wife of Harry K. Stites, Jr. They were married December 28, 1958, at the Federated Church in Mound City, Kansas. He survives. Other survivors include a son David (Robin) Stites, St. John, KS; and daughter, Janet (Danny) Johnson, Wichita, KS; two sisters, Nancy Ewing, Olathe, KS; and Carol (Bob) Wood, Mound City, KS; three grandchildren, Breanne Strobel, Jessie Taylor, and Jacob Stites, and her legacy carries on through her great-grandchildren, Thayer, Silas, and Eloise. She was predeceased by her parents, and a brother-in-law, Jerry Ewing.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on July 25, 2026, at the Stafford County Annex, 210 E. 3rd Ave, St. John, KS.

Memorials in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Minnis Chapel PO Box 34, St. John, KS 67124. Flowers may be delivered to 308 E. 4th Ave, St. John, KS 67576