Stephanie Kussman Pitts, age 56, died Thursday, May 13, 2022, at her home in Overland Park, Kansas. Stephanie was born, August 30, 1965, to C. Michael and Rita Kussman in West Point, Nebraska. Stephanie served in the Army Reserves where she met her husband and soulmate, Jeff Pitts of Sulligent, Alabama, in 1990. They were married on September 3, 1994, In Marceline, Missouri. Their everlasting love is an example of true devotion and commitment to each other.
Influenced by both her parents, Stephanie received two degrees from the University of Missouri in Animal Science (1987) and Nursing (1989). She practiced nursing in multiple states. Her caring hands touched and comforted many patients in her lifetime. She received great joy helping and serving others whether that was her family and friends, her country, or her patients.
Marceline was always a special place for Stephanie. She loved the country life and enjoyed the simple pleasures it brought. A lovely sunrise or sunset, meals outside on the deck with the birds noisily chatting, watching deer grazing in a clearing, eating breakfast at the New Cambria Livestock Auction and sitting around the firepit telling tall tales were some of her favorite enjoyments. While living in California, she would sometimes listen to the emergency radio scanner from Marceline, and she was always “in the know.” She was truly invested in her hometown.
As daughter, mother, wife, sister and friend to many, Stephanie loved to listen and connect with others. Her wit, sense of humor, and caring soul were magnets to her many friends. As a mother, she was incredibly proud of her sons, Max and Josh. She was always their biggest wrestling and football cheerleader. She loved volunteering at their schools and meeting their friends. Together, they shared a love to travel, volunteering, scooter rides and the push to be the best version of themselves.
She is survived by her husband, Jeff Pitts of Overland Park, Kansas, sons, Maxwell Pitts of Missouri S&T and Joshua Pitts of University of Missouri, mother, Rita Kussman of Marceline, siblings, Mary Kussman (James Stella) of Quincy, Illinois, Gretchen Gregory (Dean) of Columbia, Missouri, Michele Cowart (Terry) of Clemmons, North Carolina, Patrick Kussman (Denise) of Marceline, father in law, Clarence Pitts and mother in law, Billie Pitts of Sulligent, Alabama, brother in law, Rodney Pitts, of Hatley, Mississippi, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Michael Houston Pitts, and her father C. Michael Kussman.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM Friday, May 20, 2022, at Delaney Funeral Home in Marceline, Missouri. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Saturday, May 21, 2022, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Marceline. Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Marceline. Memorials may be made to Father McCartan School Foundation, and these may be mailed to Delaney Funeral Home 1720 N. Missouri Ave., Marceline, MO 64658.
