Deanna Lou Stites age 79, of Custer, SD, passed away on February 1, 2017, in Custer.

Deanna was born in Osceola, IA. She grew up in the Truro area and attended Iowa State University for business. She married her husband Jerry Stites on May 8, 1964, in Omaha, Nebraska. She worked at the United airlines ticket counter, Blue Hills Physical Therapy, Stretch and Sew in New Hampshire and Minneapolis, and their various small businesses ventures through the years. Deanna's hobbies included sewing, quilting, cheering section at horse shows, travel, and any sporting event or activity of her grandchildren. She loved watching the birds, the deer, and various crafts.

Deanna's passion was her family and would go to bat for any of her grandchildren or nieces and nephews at a moment's notice. She always went out of her way to attend sporting events, plays, and musical programs and was always their biggest fan whether it was hockey, horse shows, 4H, or a school play. She was very tenacious and not afraid to go after something she wanted to do or try and instilled this and her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel with family and her great sense of humor and positive outlook were infectious.

Deanna is survived by her husband, Jerry Stites; daughter, Tami (Tim) Tait; son, Mark (Shannon) Stites; grandchildren, Tom Tait, Carissa David, Sara Stites, Austin Wagner, Devon Wagner, and Taylor Tait; great grandchildren, Jaclynn Tait and Zaiden Wagner; brothers, Vick (Susan) Freeman, Scott (Moni) Freeman; sister, Sharon (Wayne) Breeding.

It was Deanna's wish that she be cremated and reside in a few of her favorite areas in both the Black Hills and Iowa where she grew up. A luncheon will be held in both Custer, SD and Truro, IA prior to distributing the ashes, and dates are TBA for the spring.

Her bright light and great smile will be missed.

No services will be held.