Stella Lucille Fritter

Stella Lucille Fritter, 99, former resident of Richards, Mo., died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, at the Christian Health Center in Nevada. She was born March 29, 1911, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Daniel Jacob and Bertha Alice Jones Gardner. She married Louis William Fritter in 1931. He preceded her in death in 1967. From 1941 to 1943, she worked in the Richmond shipyards in California as a burner. In 1943, Stella and Louis moved to Richards where they soon began farming. While continuing to farm, they later opened Fritter's Farm Supply in Richards which included a gas station and a grocery. Stella enjoyed various crafts and especially crocheting. Gardening was an important part of her life even after moving to the Christian Health Center. She had fun joining in the various card games at the center and also attended the monthly senior citizens meals in Richards. Stella was a member of the Richards Christian Church.

Survivors include three sons, Harold W. Fritter and wife Alice, Richards, Donald L. Fritter and wife Jeanett, Springfield, Mo., and Kenneth L. Fritter and wife Becky, Springfield. Also surviving are five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and Jim Gardner, and her parents.

Minister John Henady will conduct funeral services for Stella Fritter at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Richards Christian Church and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.