Janice (Handlin) Stites (1938-2024)

On Sept. 29, 2024, Janice (Handlin) Stites, 86, of Hill City, Kan., passed away in Wichita, Kan., joining her beloved husband, Dennis. Janice was born Feb. 25, 1938, to Herman and Agnes (Hudson) Handlin on a farm in Ellsworth County, Kan. She began her school years at Trivoli Country School through eighth grade. Janice then attended Geneseo High School. Following high school graduation, she enrolled at Fort Hays State for one year. While there she met her future husband, Dennis Stites of Hill City, Kan. Janice and Dennis were married Sept. 29, 1957, in Geneseo. The couple made their home in southern Graham County.

In addition to being a busy farmer’s wife, Janice was the mother of two active children, Sandy and Roger. She was an avid gardener. Janice took great satisfaction in canning the fresh vegetables she grew. Besides helping with 4-H, she was a very involved member of EHU. As a longtime member of the local Eastern Star Chapter, Janice held numerous local, district and state positions within the Order. She also served as Mother Advisor for the Rainbow Girls.  

Janice was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by son Roger Stites (Mary), Birmingham, Ala.; daughter Sandy Jones (Dennis), Edmond, Okla.; three grandchildren, Taylor Jones, Wichita, Kan., and Riley Jones and Jay (Kate) Peterson, Edmond; five great grandchildren, Cooper, Presley, Myles, Skylar and Grace Peterson, all of Edmond; and sister Darlene Rush (Kermit), Ellsworth, Kan.

Funeral service was Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Stinemetz Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642. Condolences for the family may be left at our website, www.stinemetzfh.com.