Bernice Stithem, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2020. Ray, her husband of 71 years, was at her side.
Bernice was born August 14, 1925, to Peter and Francis Billinger in Victoria, KS. She was the youngest of ten children. She was baptized and confirmed at St Michael Church in Collyer. She grew up on a farm south of Collyer and attended Hillside Country School.
Ray and Bernice were engaged February 14th at a Collyer Dance. They married on May 16th, 1949 at St Michael Catholic Church. They had six children. Bernice was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.
Ray and Bernice both enjoyed dancing. They loved to attend wedding dances at the VFW and also attended Collyer dances at the town hall. They actually won a dance contest on a cruise ship. The fact they were in their 70’s didn’t slow them down at all as they kept up with dancers of all ages.
In addition to raising six children, Bernice also was employed at Duckwall’s, Gibson’s, Myerly Bakery and the WaKeeney Sale Barn Café. She always had a smile for everyone and is remembered for her kindness and her gracious spirit. Bernice was also known to have a quick wit and brought many smiles to family & friends.
Bernice was known for her wonderful baking. Teachers knew if they had a Stithem child in their class, they were certain to receive cinnamon rolls from Bernice. Friends and family both enjoyed her home-cooked German food, cinnamon rolls and cinnamon candy.
Bernice was a member of Christ the King Church, Ladies Guild, Hospital Auxiliary and Ladies Altar Society. She volunteered to serve many dinners at church gatherings for fundraisers, weddings and funerals. She was always someone counted on to help others.
She is survived by her husband, Ray, six children and spouses, Kay (Harry) Bennett, Gig Harbor, WA, Diane (Dave) Gross, Manhattan, KS, Shirley (Tim) Hager, WaKeeney, KS, Rhonda (Randy) Schademann, Lawrence, KS, Rob (Anna) Stithem, Colby, KS, Terry (Mary) Stithem, Wakeeney, KS, grandchildren Nicole Bennett, Tacoma, WA, Jared (Jessica) Hager, WaKeeney, Ashley Hager, Manhattan, KS, Dylan Stithem, Colby, KS, Aaron (Dee Dee) Gross, Parker CO, Staci (GJ) Haarhuis, Olathe, KS and Davis Baker, Maui, Hawaii. nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also, surviving are two sister-in-laws, Marie and Loretta Billinger, WaKeeney.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Francis Billinger; sisters,
Minnie Dreiling, Armella Dreiling, Alice Denning, and Leona Bieker; brothers, Ray Billinger, Bernard Billinger, Ans Billinger, Ed Billinger and Alvin Billinger.
Funeral services - 10:00 AM, June 18, 2020, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Burial in church cemetery.
Visitation - Wednesday, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Parish vigil - 7:00 PM at Funeral Home, WaKeeney.
Memorial contributions - Christ the King Catholic Church or masses, c/o Schmitt FH, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672