Edna Mae (Fry) Stithem, of Stockton, KS, passed away on November 24, 2022, in her hometown at the age of 85. She was born on February 13, 1937, to Ernest and Famy Elizabeth (Butler) Fry in Stockton. She married Dale Bretton in Glade, KS and they were blessed with four daughters: Doris, Darlene, Dorothy and Dixie. They later divorced and on June 7, 1970, she married Jerry Stithem in Plainville, KS.
The family then grew by three with Mike, Shelly, and Missy. Edna Mae grew up in Woodston and graduated from Woodston High School in 1955. She always kept busy with various jobs throughout her life along with raising her kids. She was a bartender at Bob's Place/Red Kitten, the Country Club, and the VFW which she later became the manager. She worked at the Stockton schools, mowed lawns, and cleaned houses. She worked security at the open class building at the Rooks County Free Fair.
She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary and a member of the Red Hat Society. Edna Mae loved her family - especially Christmas time with her family, and decorating for all the holidays. Edna Mae's house was always a favorite for kids to trick or treat at. She loved spending time with her friends, pranking them and having a good time. She was the life of the party but also a grandmother to many. Edna Mae was an avid bowler winning many trophies. She enjoyed her indoor pet pig named Rick, her chickens, geese, peacocks and guineas. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was lovingly referred to as "Grouchy Grandma." She loved to bake, especially cakes for birthdays, graduations, baby showers, or any other occasion you could think of.
Edna Mae is survived by her daughters: Doris Willey of Park City, KS, Darlene (John) Walker of Stockton, Dorothy Bretton of Stockton, and Dixie (Bill) Dibble of Woodston, KS; Mike (Connie) Stithem of Stockton, Shelly (Dale) Wilkerson of Zurich, KS, and Missy (John) Patocka of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Ernestine (Jim) Kee of Stockton; 14 grandchildren: Dale Willey, Dawnite (Tim) Colburn, Dusty (Wendy) Walker, Damian (Misty) Dibble, Derry (Erin) Dibble, Dylan (Kalie) Dibble, Darla (Bryan) Plante, Jesse (Michelle) Stithem, Julie (Nathan) Glendening, Jordan (Megan) Stithem, Travis (Ciara) Double, Trenton Double, Amber (Patrick) DeBey, and Adryan DeBey; and 31 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Famy Fry; husband, Jerry Stithem; brother, Harvey Fry; and grandson, Devin DeBey; son-in-law, Bart Willey; brother-in-law Delbert Swaney and sister-in-law Linda Fry.
Edna Mae will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will never be forgotten. For to each one of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her, she leaves a legacy of true kindness, deep caring, and devoted love.
A Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the VFW in Stockton, 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM (come-and-go) on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
Memorials are suggested to the VFW auxiliary and may be sent to 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.