Dythel "Dee" Ilene Stauth, 90, died on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the Manor of the Plains in Dodge City. She was born on February 27, 1927 on a farm in Spearville township, Ford County, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer and Edna (Barngrover) Riegel. She graduated from Ford High School, Dodge City Junior College and attended the University of Kansas majoring in drama.

On August 19, 1950, Dythel married Ferdinand Bernard Stoss, Jr. They became an Air Force family living in many cities throughout the United States and the island of Japan.  Fred was killed in an airplane explosion over Yokota Air Base, Japan on February 2, 1965 leaving Dythel with 3 children and a fourth child on the way. She made Dodge City her home and 5 years later married Frank D. Stauth, Jr. on August 7, 1970.  Frank brought 4 children into the marriage. Together they raised 8 children.

Dee never worked outside the home but gave many years to volunteer work. Her main interests were children, friends, travel, books, drama, and bridge. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Christian Education Coordinator, Deacon, and Elder.

She is survived by 3 children: Becky (Steve) Hessman of Dodge City; Randy Stoss of Colorado; and Major General Fred (Laura) Stoss III of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana; 4 stepchildren, all from Colorado, Sharon (Ron) Place, Carol (John) Black, Marla Stauth, Mark Stauth; a son-in-law, Robert Fowler of Mississippi; 11 grandchildren, 17 great- grandchildren, a niece, Leslie Schoonover, and a nephew, Steve Riegel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Stauth (1999), her brother, Duane Riegel (2001), and her daughter, Debby Fowler (2017).

The memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Dodge City on Monday, July 31 at 10 am with Kevin Salzman, CRE officiating. Inurnment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Manor of the Plains, Dodge City Repertory Theater, or Friendship Feast, in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.