December 3, 1928 - May 11, 2021

On May 11, 2021 Lois Loraine Stites, loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother peacefully died at the age of 92. 

Lois was born on December 3, 1928 in Seattle, Washington to Frank and Agnes Monsen.  She grew up in Ballard and graduated from Ballard High School. 

Though marriage, jobs, kids and life took her away from the Northwest for a while, in 1957 she returned and chose to raise her family as well as ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, sheep and a goat at beautiful Lake Roesiger. The Lake had been an important part of her life since her pre-teen years.  Her family built a log cabin on the Lake’s North Shore, enjoying an escape from the bustle of pre-war Seattle.  When her parents Frank and Agnes Monsen bought and began operating the nearby resort in 1951, the family roots grew deeper in the community.

Lois is survived by her husband Donald, her sister Donna Andes, her daughters Leslie DeNike and Lindsay Gilbreath, her son Christopher Gilbreath, stepdaughters Sandra Barker and Christine Stites and stepson Douglas Stites.

Lois loved children and they loved their Gram.  At family gatherings it would not be unusual for Lois to disappear from the adult group.  She could instead be found sitting in a sandbox surrounded by loving grandchildren.  Though Lois had a variety of jobs throughout her life, not surprisingly, her chosen career was as a pre-school teacher.  In her 40’s she returned to college to get a degree in Early Childhood Education, and then began her teaching career.  Lois was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Anyone who met Lois soon understood that she was not only kind and friendly but she also was extremely intelligent and possessed a keen sense of humor. Throughout many years she was a proud and valuable member and supporter of the Lake Roesiger Fire Department, and she formed many friendships in that wonderful community of volunteers.

Another amazing aspect of her personality was that she could remember the lyrics of songs that often had been forgotten by the world decades ago. She had a song for any occasion and was happy to sing you a verse or two. Her love of singing led her to join the Sweet Adelines.

Living at Lake Roesiger fit Lois’s self-professed persona of being a “Tom-Boy” as she was growing up.  She loved the outdoors with activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.  Northwest marine waters also became a great extension of this love. Whether it be salmon or bottom fishing, crabbing or shell fish gathering, it was all great!  Many of these outings were with the “Trailer Club” gang.  This group, along with family connections and the weather, turned Lois and Don into Snow Birds in Yuma, Arizona for a few years. They enjoyed golf and swimming, with Lois even joining a Water Ballet group. And when it got warmer, back at the Lake, many occasions called for “Trailer Club” events and holidays with their friends.

During their 51 years of marriage Lois and Donald enjoyed traveling, often with other family or friends.  They traveled throughout the Northwest and Alaska as well as parts of the Southwest, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.  They were delighted with the people and sights wherever they traveled.

Outdoor living also drew Lois to two other favorite activities, bird watching and gardening. Lake Roesiger was perfect for both. In Spring and Summer, she spent hours planting and watering. Tons of birdseed kept the birds around through every season.  One look at her giant rhododendrons and you know that her plants, like her family and friends, were well loved. 

For her loving care her family wishes to thank the Edmonds Adult Care Home and Evergreen Health and Hospice.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A celebration of life for Lois will be held July 17th from noon until 2 PM at the family home at Lake Roesiger for family and friends.

DONATIONS

Donations in her name can be made to the Evergreen Health and Hospice and the Lake Roesiger Fire Department.