Michael Wayne Stites was a successful business man and community leader, but his real passion was his family. Mike passed away July 22, 2020 after a lengthy illness. He will be remembered for his wit, his love of life, and his dedication to his family and the Wheat Ridge community. He departed this life with his wife and children at his bedside.
Mike was born March 12, 1952 in Denver to Betty and Frank Stites. He grew up in Wheat Ridge and as years passed, he felt there could be no better place to live and raise a family and so he stayed.
Mike graduated from Jefferson High School in 1970 and attended the University of Northern Colorado. He married his love, Juanita Seifert, in 1973. Together they raised two children, Breana Mitchell and Korey Stites. Mike joined his father, Frank Stites, in the family business, B&F Tire Co., over 50 years ago. Following Frank’s death in 2017, Mike retired and sold the business.
Even with the demands of raising a family and running a business, Mike found time to give to Wheat Ridge, serving on many boards and commissions and also as a Councilman on Wheat Ridge City Council from 2003-2013. During this time he was elected City Council President and Mayor Pro Tem. Mike was a member of the Wheat Ridge Water Board and Wheat Ridge Business District. He was involved in the planning of the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival for many years, eventually serving as Co-Chair and Count.
In September 2017, Mike received the City Council Partnership Award from the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association for his overall contributions to the City and his specific contributions in volunteerism, leadership and community investment and involvement, a well-deserved honor.
In 2008 Mike wrote in the Neighborhood Gazette, “At the end of each City Council meeting I like to remind our citizens to help their neighbors. It makes for friendlier neighborhoods and fosters great friendships.” Advice he practiced throughout his life.
Mike said one of his greatest joys was spending time with his four grandchildren, Sydney, Sam, Riley and Brandon. Mike is survived by his wife, Juanita; his children Korey Stites (Sara) of Wheat Ridge and Breana Mitchell (John) of Greenwood Village; two sisters Susan Stites of Wheat Ridge and Nancy Talmey (Paul) of Telluride and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 10 a.m. in Stites Park, 29th and Newland.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mike’s honor to a charity of choice or Wheat Ridge Community Foundation. The family wishes to thank Lutheran Hospice for their support and care.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Stites family.
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