Benjamin Harley Stites, 68, died Friday, May 9, 2025 at his home near Altoona, Kansas.

He was born on July 25, 1956 in Neodesha, Kansas, the son of Jack and Sylvia Joyce Downes Stites. Ben was raised in the Altoona area where he graduated from Altoona Midway High School.

He served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1974-76.  Ben married Fraya Lynn Crandell in 1994 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

When Ben was just a boy he showed artistic talent with his sketches and ability to make sculpted figures out of modeling clay. This continued as a lifelong love of drawing, especially wildlife scenes. He was a fourth generation brick layer. Ben loved to ride his Harley motorcycle and was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, three nephews and niece.

Survivors include his wife Fraya of the home; daughters Melissa Stites of Ca., Kortney Stites of Oologah, Ok., Shelby Stites of Ozark, Mo., Recaya Knickerbocker and Mica Ramey both of Neodesha, Ks; brothers Herb Stites of Little Rock, Ark., Bert Stites of Siren, Wi; sisters Nellie Kobelt of Buffalo, Ks., Jackie Day of Chanute, Ks., Martha Walker of El Dorado, Ks.; eight grandchildren Timberly & Talon Coester, Taylor Knickerbocker, Austin Kitch, Chase Kitch, Carrie Ann Knickerbocker, Zander Ashlock, Cora Masella; five great grandchildren Blaik Franklin, Anniston Kitch, Chloe Kitch, Maverick Kitch, and Ila Jo Knickerbocker.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:  Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 1503 W. 11th, Coffeyville, KS  67337 or donations@hynesmemorial.org.

Services will be held May 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Altoona/Cedar Township Cemetery, Quincy Street, Altoona, Ks.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Ks.