Della Ann Pitsch

Daughter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother Della Ann Pitsch was born February 20, 1942 in Buffalo, Wyoming, and was brought Home to the FS-Bar Ranch near Sussex, Wyoming by her parents, David (Frederick) and Una Skiles.

Della attended “local” school where her mother Una taught all the local ranch children how to read, write, and do math. Della took a real interest in math and music. In the 9th grade Della moved in to town to attend Johnson County High School in Buffalo, Wyoming. There she met the one true love of her life Leland A. Pitsch.

Della and Leland were married and began a family. They moved to Seward, Nebraska where Della worked and supported the family while Leland finished his teaching degree and played on the college football team. After Graduation Leland’s job took the family to Palmer, KS; Alma, KS; Leavenworth, KS; and finally St. Charles, MO.

Della was truly devoted to sharing her love of music with many. She taught piano lessons for years, was the children’s choir director, and often played the church organ for services. Her singing voice was a strong vocal teacher and guide for many a child. It should be noted as well that her children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren all share her love of singing in choirs as well as for the pure joy found in music that she taught them. Della’s favorite saying found on her kitchen refrigerator stated, “Don’t die with your music still in ya!!!”

Della is preceded in death by her beloved husband Leland A. Pitsch, her daughter Lori Ann Southern (Steve), her Parents David Frederick and Una Valera Skiles, and her two older brothers Mason Skiles and Gary Skiles.

Della is survived by her sister Patty Stockfish, three sons Mathew (Seanna Fletchall), Monte (Marta Knapp), Troy (Nelly Gonzalez) Pitsch, and 12 Grand Children A. Scott (Ashley Guebert), D. Samuel (Olivia Farrar), Miranda Pitsch, Meredith Symank (Eric), Jodi Tirawi (Dan), Clayton Southern, Madison Kumwenda (Nate), Malaina Pitsch, Maggie Pitsch, Robert Aguirre III, Angel Aguirre, Peter Aguirre, and 16 Great Grandkids, Wyatt Pitsch, Lena Pitsch, Leland Pitsch, Frederick Pitsch, Peter Pitsch, Suzie Pitsch, Heidi Pitsch, Martin Symmank, John Symmank, Mark Symank, Ellis Tirawi, Eleanor Tirawi, Isabella Aguirre, Nelly Aguirre, Sophia Aguirre, and Angel Jr. Aguirre.

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 25th, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5400 Euper Lane, Fort Smith, AR at 10:00am. Graveside services will follow at Oak Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church’s Music ministry in Honor of Della’s lifetime commitment to the Music of the Church.