Edna Mae Bartling Sutton Hites
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Edna was born May 15, 1919 in Ackley, Iowa. She died April 3, 2016 in Gilbert, Arizona at age 96. Edna was one of eight children born to Wilhelmina (Reichtmeier) and William F. Bartling.She graduated Valedictorian at Ackley High School in 1937 and went on to attend Hamilton School of Commerce in Mason City, Iowa.
On December 24, 1937 Edna married John Richard Sutton. They had four children: James Richard, Judith Ann, Jean Mary, and John William. Together Edna and John built and operated an automotive garage in Evansdale Iowa. Later they moved to Jesup, Iowa and farmed for a few years. In 1953 the family moved to Arizona and soon opened Sutton’s Garage in Chandler, Arizona. In 1980 John passed away.
On February 14, 1992 Edna married her square dance partner Ellsmore Ardell Hites. Step children of the marriage to E. A. “Red” Hites are Ronald Bruce Hites and Cheryl Diane Johnson (Charles). Red Passed away in 2015.
Edna loved her family at home and back in Iowa. She enjoyed many craft projects, sewing and crocheting. Family and friends were always welcomed with a cup of tea and something homemade to eat. Edna was an exceptional cook and was always trying out new recipes on all of us. She did volunteer work for her church and saw to it that her children attended Sunday school regularly and learned about the Bible.
Our mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend was a beautiful person and brought joy to all who knew her. Her thirteen grandchildren were born over a span of many years and her house was never lacking in games and toys for them: Richard Lee Sutton, Cheryl Ann Ramirez, Barbara Lynn Hazen, David John Sutton, Daryl Merle Kannberg, Dennis Gene Kannberg, Michael John Kannberg, Cynthia Loree Thompson, Susan Joanne Thomas, Kristi Lynn Cornell, Jamie Marie Goff, Gabriel Ray Fowler, and Katie Mae Sutton. She had 33 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandkids.
Viewing for Edna is Wednesday, April 6, 2016 5 to 7 PM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W Erie St, Chandler, AZ 85225. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 7, 10 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. A Graveside Service following Funeral at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248. Reception following internment will be at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
The family suggests donations in her memory be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.