Louise Suiter

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Dillia Louise Suiter, 95, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Westgate Nursing Center in Joplin, Missouri.

Louise was born near Golden City, Missouri, on January 29, 1931, to Chrissie Wilhelm and Lyda (Blanchard) Wilhelm. Before she entered high school, her parents purchased a farm north of Iantha, Missouri, and moved the family there. She attended Liberal High School, where she graduated as co-valedictorian of her class. She was the last surviving member of the Liberal High School Class of 1949.






On April 8, 1951, Louise married Gerald Suiter at Oakton Methodist Church. Together, they began their life on a farm near Liberal, where she raised their family and faithfully carried out the many responsibilities of a farmer’s wife. Her church was an important part of her life, and she was active in youth and women’s groups, Vacation Bible School, family nights, ice cream suppers, and church dinners.

While living on the farm, Louise and Gerald were actively involved in ministry at Avola Church, west of Sheldon, and Bethel Church, south of Oakton. After leaving the farm, their ministry took them to churches in Carthage and Neosho, Missouri, and eventually to churches in Elk City and Edmond, Oklahoma.

Throughout her life, Louise worked both part-time and full-time at several banks, including Barton County State Bank and Citizens Bank of Liberal. After moving to Oklahoma in the 1980s, she worked at Elk City State Bank and later retired from Edmond State Bank.

Following retirement, Louise and Gerald returned to Missouri and settled on a small farm northwest of Lamar. They re-established their connection with Oakton Church, where they resumed regular attendance and support. The farm provided space for three gardens, allowing Louise to continue one of her greatest passions: gardening. She loved growing, canning, and sharing the fruits of her labor with others.

In their later years, Louise and Gerald sold the farm and downsized to a home in Lamar, along with a smaller garden. After Gerald’s passing in 2017, Louise continued to enjoy fellowship with several church friends in her home. Together, they created colorful pictures that they shared with residents of various nursing homes, bringing creativity, companionship, and kindness to others.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Lois Crockett (Jay Wright) of Joplin; and her sons, Dennis (Sherry) Suiter of Lamar and Dale (Lea Ann) Suiter of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Dr. Jason (Jill) Crockett, Jeffrey (Krissy) Crockett, Jeanna Crockett, DeAnn Suiter, and Alexandrea (Kaleb) Ogren; and four great-grandchildren: Jenna, Jarrett, Josie, and Waylon Crockett.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald; her sister, Esther Giffen; and her brother, Leo Wilhelm.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the chapel at Konantz-Warden Funeral Home in Lamar. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Interment will take place on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, south of Springfield, Missouri.