Zwick, Colleen Kay (Thode)

Burial Date: 08/17/2026 Age: 87 Lot: 936 C Crem

Colleen Kay Zwick, 87, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away August 12, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. She was born September 13, 1938, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Victor and Velma (Blanchford) Thode. Colleen was a lifelong Rice County resident. She graduated from Nickerson High School, Nickerson, Kansas, with the class of 1955. Colleen was a bookkeeper at Buehler Mills and retired from Dillions. She was a member of Midland Community United Church of Christ, Sterling. Colleen enjoyed playing the piano, bridge, gardening, and most of all spending time with her family, especially the grandkids and great grandkids. She also loved going to the Kansas State Fair each fall. On June 3, 1955, Colleen married Howard E. Zwick in Sterling. They later divorced. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2019. Colleen is also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Brenda Kay Zwick; and brother, Roy Thode. Colleen is survived by her two sons, Craig Zwick of Lyons, KS, and Scott Zwick and wife Jan of Manhattan, KS; brother, Kenny Thode and wife Linda of Hutchinson, KS; four grandchildren, Anne Hjetland and husband Scott of Lyons, KS, Andy Zwick and wife Debra of Sterling, KS, Molly Schultz and husband Dustin of Lyons, KS, and Caleb Zwick and significant other Sophie of McPherson, KS; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Monday, August 17, 2026, at Midland Community United Church of Christ Church, Sterling. Private family graveside will be held at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. Memorials may be given to Midland Community United Church of Christ Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Dennett, Georgetta Sue (Davisson)

Georgetta “Sue” (Davisson) Dennett

Burial Date: 7/20/2026 Age: 91 Lot: 922 D

01-11-1935~07-02-2026

Georgetta "Sue" Dennett Profile Photo

Georgetta “Sue” Dennett

Georgetta “Sue” Davisson Dennett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the age of 91. Born on January 11, 1935 to George and Ruby Carinder in Sterling, Kansas, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Wayne and Jack Carinder and husband David Dennett.

Sue graduated from Emporia State Teachers College with both a B.S. in Education and a Master’s in Education. She dedicated 29 years of her life to shaping young minds as a devoted elementary school teacher at Grandview Elementary in El Dorado. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of learning from her.

She enjoyed playing cards at the Senior Community Center in Augusta and at Fig Tree in Harlingen. In the winter months, Sue and David would escape the cold and head to Harlingen, TX to the Fig Tree RV Resort where they could enjoy the outdoors. She always took her sewing machine and sewing with her.

She was a devoutly religious Christian and a member of Augusta United Methodist Church.

She is survived by: her daughter, Patty Brown (Mike) of Fountain Hills, AZ; her son, Danny Davisson (Jami) of Sand Springs, OK; and her cherished grandchildren, Brandon Brown, Lauren Edwards (James), and Chase Davisson (Kelly). She was also a proud great-grandmother to eight wonderful great-grandchildren: Ivy, Paisley and Kai Brown, Clayton and Audrey Edwards, and Wyatt, Cooper and Noah Davisson who brought immense joy to her life. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Wilma Talbert, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Known affectionately as Grandma Jo by some and Grammy by others, Sue was celebrated for her caring, fun and loving nature. Her warmth and kindness touched the hearts of all who knew her and her legacy as a devoted and loving grandmother and great-grandmother will be remembered forever. She will also be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering patience, and her infectious smile. She had a heart full of love and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her kindness knew no bounds, and she was a pillar of strength and support for her family and friends.

As we celebrate her life, we take comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Her legacy of love, dedication, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 4, at the Augusta United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Augusta United Methodist Church in her memory.

Calderwood, Brian Campbell

Calderwood, Brian Campbell h/Lynn (Longjohn)

October 16, 1960 –July 11, 2026

Brian C. Calderwood Profile Photo

Brian C. Calderwood

The family of Brian Campbell Calderwood is sad to deliver the news that he passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on the morning of July 11, 2026.

Born October 16, 1960 in Pakistan, Brian lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Known for his quiet, logical nature, those who loved Brian and had the privilege to be loved by him, know the true depth of his heart. During his lifetime, Brian lived on three continents and held a range of jobs from chemist to teacher to operations director. He touched lives in each role and brought practical aspects of each job into the others.

Brian’s greatest role was that of patriarch to his family. He met his wife Lynn in high school and they spent 40 years, 11 months and 14 days as husband and wife. With her by his side, he raised three children, Catherine, William and Andrew. As they grew, he welcomed two daughters-in-law, Katelyn and Jessica, and six grandchildren. Campbell, Eleanor, Samuel Brian, Nellie, George and Louise adored time spent with Grandad and he knew no greater pride than their success and love.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Evelyn (Campbell) Calderwood. He is survived by his immediate family listed above as well as two brothers and a number of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service has been set at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 8, at Eastminster Church, 1958 N. Webb Rd. Donations can be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

_____________________________________________________________

Daughter Catherine Calderwood wrote the following :

“It’s an empty walk down a someday aisle

It’s being the only one with the green eyed smile

It’s saying that I got it from my dad,

And realize you never met the man.

It’s directing traffic I used to just flow with.

Being the solid voice when my heart is trembling.

Sounds that I won’t hear again, places you won’t be again.

Family reunions with you left behind.

Holding every moment in the back of my mind.

The flinch of a midday text or phone call.

Wondering when the shoe will fall

And you’ll get to go to Glory

Leaving us to tell your story.”

Fulton, Phyllis Jean (Quinn)

Phyllis Jean (Quinn) Fulton

May 19, 1934 – May 30, 2026

Phyllis Jean (Quinn) Fulton Obituary

Phyllis Jean Fulton, 92, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away May 30, 2026, at Sterling Village. She was born May 19, 1934, in Beloit, Kansas, the daughter of Milton M. and Geneva M. (Childers) Quinn. Phyllis was a near lifelong Sterling resident. She graduated from Lyons High School, Lyons, Kansas, with the class of 1952. Phyllis worked in the cafeteria at Sterling College for many years, and mowed lawns with her husband Eddie during retirement. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church both of Sterling. Phyllis was a volunteer at the Sterling Village for many years. She enjoyed playing dominos, Rummikub, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. On October 11, 1953, Phyllis was united in marriage with Edgar Lee “Eddie” Fulton in Lyons. He preceded her in death on March 13, 2013. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Scott Fulton; and stepmother, Myrtle. Phyllis is survived by her two sons, Mark Fulton and wife Judy of Little Rock, AR, and Todd Fulton of Sterling, KS; brother, Mike Quinn and wife Marlene of Fenwick Island, DE; two grandchildren, Hannah Craig and husband Steven of Hugoton, KS, and Kyra Devenney and husband Tyler of Amarillo, TX; three great-grandchildren, Tucker Craig, Ivory Devenney and Alister Devenney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 8, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present. Memorials may be given to Sterling College Football in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Brown, O. P.

Brown, O. P

Zielke, Donna Sue (Zielke) Corwin Nelson

May 4, 1961 – May 23, 2026

Age: 65 Lot: 1155 B

Donna Sue Zielke, 65, of Great Bend, Kansas, passed away May 23, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. She was born May 4, 1961, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Elmer and Bertha (Classen) Zielke. Donna has resided in Great Bend since 2013, formerly of Sterling and Minneola, Kansas. She graduated from Minneola High School, with the class of 1979 and attended Sterling College. Donna was a supervisor for Rice County Council on Aging in Lyons and was director for Silver Threads in Sterling for many years. She was a member of Countryside Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. Donna enjoyed her family very much, they were her pride and joy! She also enjoyed decorating her apartment, re-doing furniture, listening to Southern Gospel music and spoiling her dog, Bailey, were at the top of Donna’s favorite things to do. She also enjoyed arts and crafts, cooking, and family gatherings. On July 10, 1981, Donna married Ronald Corwin in Sterling. They later divorced. In 2012, Donna married Donald M. “Junior” Nelson, Jr. He preceded her in death on January 31, 2023. She is also preceded in death by her parents. Donna is survived by her four children, Amy Smith and husband Spencer of Sterling, KS, Ashley Corwin of Hutchinson, KS, Andrea Ketch of Great Bend, KS, and Ryan Corwin and wife Samantha of Sterling, KS; brother, Robert Zielke and wife Kirsten of Fowler, KS; nine grandchildren, Kalyssa, Kaelyn, Kooper, Ezra, Tucker, Joshua, Madison, Bravely, and Adventure; nephew, Zane Zielke of Brooklyn, NY; and her beloved dog, Bailey. Funeral service will be at 3:00 P.M., Friday, May 29, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Joel Grizzle officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until service time with family present. Memorials may be given to Rice County Council on Aging in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Corcoran, David Michael

February 28, 1964 – May 16, 2026

David Corcoran, 62, died May 16, 2026 at Hospice House in Hutchinson, Ks.

Born February 28, 1964, David graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1982, working as an apprentice electrician for USD 308 and, later, as an EMT/paramedic with Reno County EMS. He had many different nicknames over the years, including “Kilowatt,” “Corky” and “Taz.”

A lover of all animals, David could rarely be found without a dog at his side, with his most recent companion being his Brussels Griffon, Toby. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed playing pool, fishing, cooking and live entertainment such as concerts, sporting events and comedy shows. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Central Kansas Gun Club and the “Liar’s Club.” He was proud of his tattoos and often received compliments on them.

David is survived by his mother, Judy Corcoran; sisters, Lisa Corcoran and Susan (Paul) Porter; nephew, Brett Corcoran; stepchildren, Becca Day and Tyler Day and countless friends who were like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Corcoran; grandparents, Edwin and Maxine Miller and Howard and Doris Corcoran.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Sterling Cemetery, 500 E. Cleveland Ave, Sterling, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Redemption Animal Rescue or Cause for Paws and can be sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502. A late lunch will be served at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Ave, Hutchinson, KS after the service.

Beachy, Ashton Ryder

04-25-2026~04-25-2026

Burial: 04/30/2026 Age: 0 Lot: 1027 F

Infant son of Andrew and Lucinda (?) Beachy

Ray, Myrna Jane (Bay) Knauf

Nov. 21, 1938 – May 08, 2026

Myrna Jane (Bay) Ray Obituary

Myrna Jane Ray, 87, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away May 8, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin. She was born November 21, 1938, in her grandparents’ home in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the daughter of Dean and Dorothea (Dunham) Bay. Myrna spent her childhood growing up on the Bay Farm outside of Pretty Prairie. She has resided in Waunakee, Wisconsin, for the past seven years. Myrna graduated from Pretty Prairie High School and Salt City Business College in Hutchinson. She was a homemaker, farmwife, and active member of the Sterling community. Myrna was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, where she was an active member helping with many activities like Sunday morning coffee and Vacation Bible School. She also was a member of the Sterling Women’s Club and Sorosis Club, Sterling, volunteered organizing the bloodmobile for the American Red Cross in Sterling, and served on the Board of Directors for the Rice County Council on Aging and the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging. Myrna enjoyed attending the Sterling High School and Sterling College sporting, musical, and theater events. She married Larry Knauf. They later divorced. On June 29, 1966, Myrna was united in marriage to Donald Arlen Ray in Sterling. He preceded her in death on August 14, 2005. She is also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Julie Ray; and brother-in-law, Bob McCreery. Myrna is survived by her daughter, Lori Ramsey and husband Rod of Oklahoma City, OK, step-daughter, Chris Rettig of Wichita, KS, and son, Wes Ray and wife Christine of Waunakee, WI; three siblings, Edward Leon Bay and wife Shirley of Salina, KS, Linda McCreery of Estes Park, CO, and Jim Bay and wife Rita of Lakeland, FL; two grandchildren, Julianne Ramsey of Saint Petersburg, Russia, and Sydney Ray of Iowa City, Iowa; and dear friend, Michelle Ramsey of Oklahoma City, OK. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 11:00 until 1:00 P.M., at the Sterling College Student Union in the Cornerstone Lounge, Memorials may be given to Sterling College (for the Julie Ray Scholarship Fund) in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Silva-Pantoja, Eliseo

Eliseo Silva-Pantoja

April 1, 1972 ~ March 21, 2026 53 Years Old

husband of Delia (Avila)

Eliseo Silva-Pantoja Obituary

Eliseo Silva-Pantoja, 53, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away March 21, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons, Kansas. He was born April 1, 1972, in Agustin Melgar-Nazas, Durango, Mexico, the son of Esteban Silva and Alicia Pantoja. Eliseo has resided in Sterling and Rice County, Kansas since 2001, formerly of Mexico. He was a construction worker, mainly working with concrete for Prairie Landworks Inc. in McPherson. Eliseo loved to fix cars, mechanic, and most of all spending time with his family and grandkids. In December of 1992, Eliseo was united in marriage with Delia Avila in Mexico. Eliseo is survived by his wife, Delia Avila of Sterling, KS; son, Eliseo Silva Jr. (Kyler Bernritter) of Leavenworth, KS; three daughters, Liza Schneider (Chris) of Sterling, KS, Adriana McCorkle (Ryan) of Sterling, KS, and Cristina Johnson (Beau) of McPherson, KS; four brothers, Daniel Silva of Lyons, KS, Gilberto Silva of Lyons, KS, Rafael Silva of Mexico, and Gregorio Silva of Mexico; three sisters, Maria Ester Silva of Mexico, Noemi Silva of Mexico, and Eunice Silva of Mexico; and nine grandchildren, Noah, Maggie, Sophia, Joshua, Leah, Maddie, Kairo, Jordan, and Jethro. Eliseo was preceded in death by his father, Esteban Silva; and father-in-law, Ramon Avila. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 27, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Dean Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Delia Avila to help with funeral expenses in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Eliseo Silva-Pantoja, de 53 años y residente de Sterling, Kansas, falleció el 21 de marzo de 2026 en el Hospital del Distrito N.º 1 del Condado de Rice, en Lyons, Kansas. Nació el 1 de abril de 1972 en Agustín Melgar-Nazas, Durango, México, hijo de Esteban Silva y Alicia Pantoja. Eliseo residió en Sterling y en el Condado de Rice, Kansas, desde el año 2001; anteriormente había vivido en México. Se desempeñaba como trabajador de la construcción, dedicándose principalmente a trabajos con concreto para la empresa Prairie Landworks Inc. en McPherson. A Eliseo le encantaba reparar automóviles, la mecánica y, sobre todo, pasar tiempo con su familia y sus nietos. En diciembre de 1992, Eliseo contrajo matrimonio con Delia Ávila en México. A Eliseo le sobreviven su esposa, Delia Ávila, de Sterling, KS; su hijo, Eliseo Silva Jr. (Kyler Bernritter), de Leavenworth, KS; sus tres hijas, Liza Schneider (Chris), de Sterling, KS, Adriana McCorkle (Ryan), de Sterling, KS, y Cristina Johnson (Beau), de McPherson, KS; sus cuatro hermanos, Daniel Silva, de Lyons, KS, Gilberto Silva, de Lyons, KS, Rafael Silva, de México, y Gregorio Silva, de México; sus tres hermanas, María Ester Silva, de México, Noemí Silva, de México, y Eunice Silva, de México; y sus nueve nietos: Noah, Maggie, Sophia, Joshua, Leah, Maddie, Kairo, Jordan y Jethro. A Eliseo le precedieron en la muerte su padre, Esteban Silva, y su suegro, Ramón Ávila. Los servicios fúnebres se llevarán a cabo el viernes 27 de marzo de 2026, a las 10:00 a. m., en la Funeraria Birzer (Birzer Funeral Home) en Sterling, con el pastor Dean Johnson oficiando la ceremonia. El sepelio tendrá lugar a continuación en el Cementerio Comunitario de Sterling. El velorio se realizará en la funeraria desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta la hora del servicio. Se pueden realizar donaciones conmemorativas a nombre de Delia Ávila para ayudar a cubrir los gastos funerarios; dichas donaciones pueden entregarse a través de la Funeraria Birzer en Sterling.

Crofford, William H. (Bill)

Burial Date: 03/16/2026 Age: 91 Lot: 1227 G

William H. Crofford Obituary

William (Bill) H. Crofford

April 18, 1934 – March 8, 2026

He was born and raised in Garfield County, OK and graduated high school in Garber, OK in 1952. He then furthered his studies in Mathematics at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, OK.

In 1954 Employment brought him to Sterling, Kansas where he was an off-set printer at the Sterling Bulletin Newspaper until 1980. He then began working for Security Pacific Finance and finished his career with Bank of America in 1997.

Bill’s first love was horses. In his younger years he broke and trained many. He also designed, created, and welded pony carts and made harness for his Shetland teams.

He traveled as a stockman on the Rumford Rodeo circuit and was a member of the Sandhill Saddle Club and Sterling Saddle Club. During the seventies his team and wagon was a favored and prize-winning entry in the Centennial parades. Several dignitaries running for office or re-election often asked him to escort them in his wagon during the Fourth of July parades.

When he moved to Sterling he needed a pasture for his horse and that’s how he met his future wife. They married in 1958 and had two daughters.

They belonged to Good Sam’s Camping Club. They enjoyed traveling in their RV especially to the horse races in AR and the hot air balloons in NM.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann. His parents, Daniel and Opal Crofford. Three sisters, Mary Crofford, Ernestine King, and Margie Butcher. Brothers-in-law, Marshall King and John Butcher. His brother, Dan Crofford and sister-in-law Leona. His niece Linda Butcher King.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Crofford of Sterling, KS and Janelle (Larry Prothro) of Salina, KS. His grandson, Graham Prothro of Salina, KS. Two step-granddaughters Audra Prothro & Megan (Taylor) Alameda of Oregon. 3 step-great-grandchildren Logan Prothro, Grace and Cosmo Alameda.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 16, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present. Memorials may be given to the Sterling Village in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Thompson, Josephene Natalie (Du Puie)

Thompson, Josephene Natalie (Du Puie) h/Joseph

Josephene Natalie Du Puie Thompson

Birth: 1852

Montréal, Montréal Region, Québec, Canada
Death: Oct 1917 (aged 64–65)

Kansas, USA
Burial: Sterling Cemetery

Sterling, Rice County, Kansas, USA
Memorial ID: · View Source

McNutt, Charlene Kay (Panzer)

Charlene Kay (Panzer) McNutt

September 3, 1944 ~ February 13, 2026 (age 81)

Charlene Kay McNutt, 81, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons, surrounded by her family. She was born September 3, 1944, in Lincoln, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph and Lucille (Meitler) Panzer. Charlene has resided in Sterling since 2007, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Lincoln, KS, with the class of 1962. Charlene was a housewife. She enjoyed crocheting, going dancing with her husband Melvin, and loved planning family and friend gatherings. On September 8, 1962, Charlene was united in marriage with Melvin McNutt in Santa Cruz, California. Charlene is survived by her husband, Melvin McNutt of Sterling, KS; three children, Debbie Walker of Sterling, KS, Rick McNutt and his wife Heather of Moundridge, KS, and Carol McNutt of Sterling, KS; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Dennis Panzer and Clayton Panzer. Private services will be held. Memorials may be given to Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Russell, Karen Janette (Fadden)

Russell, Karen Janette (McFadden) dw/Dr. Roy C.

July 2, 1936 – January 28, 2026

Karen Janette Russell, 89, of Hutchinson, passed away January 28, 2026, at Hester Care Center – The Wesley. She was born July 2, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Damon H. and Vivian D. (Vincent) McFadden.

Karen was known as a strong, determined, and no-nonsense woman who held herself—and everyone around her—to high standards. While she could be strict and demanding, those who truly knew her understood that it all came from a deep heart of gold and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

She graduated from Nickerson High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Karen taught second through eighth grade at South Hutchinson Elementary School before making KR Training Stables her full-time career. Later in life Karen earned her master’s degree from Wichita State University in special education and then taught special education at Prairie Hills Middle School in Buhler, where her patience, discipline, and dedication left a lasting impact on countless students.

Karen’s greatest passion was horses and teaching her students to be better riders. For more than 60 years, she gave riding lessons and trained horses, retiring only in her mid-80s. She judged Quarter Horse shows for over 40 years (in nearly every state) and also judged shows in Canada and Israel. Karen was a member of both the Kansas Quarter Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. In 2005, she was inducted into the Kansas Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and was recognized as an AQHA Professional Horseman.

Her success as a riding instructor was deeply rooted in her background as an educator. Her teaching methods were so effective they were featured in the American Quarter Horse Journal. Karen coached many youth who went on to become world champions, and she took great pride in the discipline, confidence, and work ethic she instilled in her students—both in the classroom and the arena.

When she wasn’t teaching or traveling, Karen enjoyed life’s simple routines. She never missed her standing hair and nail appointments, loved lemon drop candies, and took great care in always looking her best—details that reflected her meticulous nature and personal pride. Karen was a longtime season ticket holder at Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre and always looked forward to attending the upcoming shows.

Karen is survived by her son, Burke (Dini) Russell; grandchildren, Tanner Russell and Taden Russell, all of Sarasota, Florida, and Kayla (Jesse) May of Wichita; great-grandchildren, Tyten May, Amylia May, and Paisley May; along with a host of nephews, cousins, and hundreds of friends and former students who became her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Amy Sue Russell.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary, with Reverend Mike Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling.

Memorials are suggested to Reins of Hope, Hutchinson, and/or the Karen Russell Memorial Fund at the Kansas Quarter Horse Association (KQHA), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Karen Russell Memorial Fund at the Kansas Quarter Horse Association, please make the check payable to the Kansas Quarter Horse Association, with Karen Russell Memorial Fund in the memo line.

Wilson, Grace Erma (Hinthorn)

Erma Grace Wilson w/George

Erma Grace Wilson Obituary

Erma Grace “Bunny” Wilson, 89, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away January 27, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. She was born February 5, 1936, in Longton, Kansas, the daughter of John Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Attebery) Hinthorn. Erma was a near lifelong Sterling resident. She graduated from Longton High School, with the class of 1953 and received her bachelor’s degree in science and education from Sterling College in 1968. Erma began her teaching career in a combined room of 3rd and 4th grade at Alden Grade School, then continued teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Union 5 Grade School and Sterling Grade School for many years, retiring in 1996. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. Erma enjoyed reading, feeding the birds and squirrels, gardening and being outside. On July 1, 1955, Erma was united in marriage with George Wilson in Alden, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2013. She is also preceded in death by her parents; and five siblings, Virginia White, Alma White, Laura Carter, Bill “Johnny” Hinthorn, and Verna Meise. Erma is survived by her son, Russell Wilson and wife Barbara of Park City, KS; daughter, Cindy Zimmerman and husband Robert of Sterling, KS; sister, Marilyn Comstock and husband Doug of Elk City, KS; four grandchildren, Byron Harrison and wife Kimberly of Lees Summit, MO, Robert Harrison and wife Heidi of Kansas City, KS, Courtney Wilson of Wichita, KS, and Kasey Wilson of Park City, KS; and great-granddaughter, Noelle Harrison of Kansas City, KS. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Memorials may be given to Sterling Grade School (for the library) or First United Methodist Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.