Loy Stites

Joan Loy Stites, 87, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in New Albany, Indiana. Loy was born on June 4, 1938, in Springfield, Ohio, to Chester and Lottie Hale. When Loy was five, her family moved to Ashland, Kentucky, where she graduated from Ashland High School in 1956. Loy pursued higher education at Morehead State College, studying art before majoring in education and graduating in three years. Loy later attended the University of Louisville, earning a Master of Arts in Education.

As a student at Morehead, Loy was active in the Beaux Arts Club, Future Teachers of America, the Student National Educators Association, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honorary, and the Mystic Club, which supported intercollegiate athletics at MSC. She also performed in several plays with the Morehead Players, continuing her interest in theater, which began in high school.

In the fall of 1956, during her first semester in college, Loy met the love of her life, Jim. They were engaged within a few weeks and married on August 30, 1958. Together, they moved to Louisville and raised their four children — Ken, Karen, Mike, and Michelle — celebrating their 66th anniversary shortly before Jim’s passing in 2024. Over the years, Loy and Jim enjoyed many activities together, including serving as sponsors for the Butler High School cheerleaders and participating with the South End CB Club, where Loy’s “handle” was Lacey Lady. After they retired, Loy and Jim purchased her parents’ home in Ashland, Kentucky, where they lived for 19 years. During this time, they traveled in pursuit of Loy’s avocation as a teddy bear collector. They went on “bear hunts” to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and even took a Boyd’s Bears-themed Caribbean cruise. Loy’s hobby resulted in a collection of over 10,000 plush, figurines, cookie jars, and many other items featuring her beloved bears.

As a teacher, Loy started hundreds of children on their educational path. She cared for each child’s individual needs and used her artistic skills to develop creative teaching tools and provide a warm, welcoming classroom environment. Loy began her career teaching second grade for one year in Ashland, Kentucky. After moving to Louisville, Loy taught for eight years at Schaffner and Kenwood Elementary Schools, before taking a few years away from teaching to raise her young children. Loy returned to teaching and taught kindergarten for 19 years, first at Crums Lane Elementary and then at Schaffner Elementary. She was recognized by school leadership and the PTA for her contributions.

In addition to being a dedicated teacher, Loy was an amazing mother and grandmother. She served as a Girl Scout troop leader, sewed dance costumes and cheerleading uniforms, attended football and basketball games, watched concerts and dance recitals, and helped with countless homework assignments. She cooked, cleaned, and cared for everyone else before herself. Loy also loved cuddling and reading to her grandchildren.

A faithful Christian, Loy was a member of South Louisville Christian Church, Shively Christian Church (where she enjoyed singing in the choir), and Old Orchard Christian Church in Ashland. She also served as the dietitian at White Mills Christian Camp, overseeing the kitchen and ensuring that campers and staff received nutritious and delicious meals.

Loy exemplified caring, patience, and unselfish commitment to serving others. She loved Jesus and sought to reflect that love. Everyone Loy met became her new friend. She learned their names and treated them with such kindness that they couldn’t help but love her back. Loy will be greatly missed, but her legacy of faith and love will live on in the hearts of her family and everyone she touched with her sweet spirit.

Loy was preceded in death by her husband, James Stites, and parents, Chester and Lottie Hale.

Left to cherish her memory, Loy is survived by four children, Ken Stites (Janet), Karen Petko (Darrin), Michael Stites (Susan), and Michelle King (Matt); five grandchildren, Charlotte Edmonds (Steven), Shelby Stites, James Petko, Lexie Stites, and Caroline Stites; sister, Dorothy Cunningham (Al); brother, Bill Hale; sister-in-law, Anne Stites; and a host of extended family and close friends.

A funeral service for Mrs. Joan Loy Stites will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Louisville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home East, 11601 Ballardsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens East will follow the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Loy’s memory to Hosparus Health – Southern Indiana (https://hosparushealth.org/donate) or Old Orchard Christian Church (3600 Blackburn Ave, Ashland, KY 41101).