Tilton, Harold Amos                                      h/Dorothy Fern (Jones)

Burial Date: 2022, 02/21                      Age: 91                              Lot: 799 C

Korean War        Corporal Harold A.  Tilton served in U.S, Army Jan.9, 1952-Dec. 13, 1953.  Served in Korea 15+ months with 79th Engineer Construction Battalion from August 1952-December 1953.

Harold Amos Tilton

January 5, 1931 ~ February 15, 2022 (age 91)

Harold Amos Tilton, 91, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away February 15, 2022, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons, Kansas. He was born January 5, 1931, near Sylvia, Kansas, the son of Alto Harold “Bill” and Viola Grace Fox Tilton. Harold graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1949, and later received his master’s degree in education from Emporia State University. He has resided in Sterling since 1970, moving from Salina, Kansas. Harold taught school for thirty-five years, was a farmer for twenty-nine years and worked as a carpenter his entire life. He served in the United States Army from January 9, 1952 until December 12, 1953, serving fifteen months in Korea. Harold was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, life member of the American Legion Post 128, Sterling, life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, and life member of the National Education Association. On November 5, 1950, Harold was united in marriage with Dorothy Fern Jones in Nickerson, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2005. He is also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, LaVerne and Jim Tilton; and sister, Marie Tilton Wegner. Harold is survived by his two sons, Richard and Lane Tilton both of Sterling, KS; daughter, Christa Tilton Bishop and husband Kelly of Leoti, KS; five grandchildren, Sabrina Pipkin, Brad Tilton, Rebecca Skalinder and husband Dakota, Lillian Martinez and husband Jose, and Kyla Owens and husband Paden; nine great grandchildren, Jeremy and Weston Pipkin, Kholby Deforest, Nayeli Martinez, Kelly Bishop Owens, Mesa Rae Owens, Mercy Johanna Owens, Raegan Leola Owens, and Bryson Pruitt. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday, February 21, 2022, at the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, with Pastor Melissa Krabbe officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present. Memorials may be given to United Presbyterian Church, Sterling or American Legion Post 128, Sterling in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Bratcher, Patsy Juanice (Thornburgh)           dw/? /? /?

Burial Date:  2021, 12/18           Age:   84                Lot:  1181 B

Juanice Bratcher, 84, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 11, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 13, 1937, in Elk City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Karl D. and Beatrice Bright Thornburgh. Juanice has resided in Sterling since 1991, formerly of Denver, Colorado. Juanice worked in the service of the American Legion and the VFW for over 20 years and was a small business owner. She was a member of the VFW in Lyons and Hutchinson; American Legion Post #128 of Sterling, and American Legion Post #68 of Hutchinson. Juanice enjoyed gardening and crafts. She is survived by her five children, Dan Bratcher and wife Carol of Topeka, KS, Patty Ravenstien and husband Jerry of Sterling, Jan Smallwood and husband Carroll of Groveland, CA, Greg Bratcher of Sterling, and Barbie Kaven and husband Ron of Timberon, NM; brother, Jay Thornburgh of TX; sisters, LaVerne Gaither of Lubbuck, TX, Anna Durr and husband Robert of Anchorage, AK, and Nelda Foust and husband Rex of Amhurst, TX; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Carl Dean Thornburgh. Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M., December 18, 2021, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Pastor Brad Rogge officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Sterling American Legion Post #128 Scholarship Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Campbell, Pamela ‘Pam’ Louise (Crumm)       w/Barry Robert

Burial Date:  2021, 12/22        Age: 64                Lot: 1148 E

Pamela Louise Campbell, 64, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 17, 2021, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons, Kansas. She was born March 12, 1957, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Roy Earl and Gracie Ruth Frank Crumm.

Pamela has resided in Sterling since October of 2013, formerly of Prattville, Alabama. She received her clerk typist certificate from Spartanburg Technical School, in Spartanburg, SC. Pamela was a homemaker. She was a member of Sterling Evangelical Bible Church, Sterling.

On August 8, 1981, Pamela was united in marriage with Barry Robert Campbell in Burkburnett, Texas. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her two brothers, Robbie Crumm of Elk City, OK, and Thomas Parsley of Fort Knox, KY; and sister, Billie Joy Shockley of Eufaula, OK. Pamela is preceded in death by her parents.

Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Sterling Evangelical Bible Church, rural Sterling, with Pastor Phil Carroll officiating. A private family burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present. Memorials may be given to the Open-Door Pregnancy Center, Hutchinson in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Bruning, Donald Forest ‘Butch’       h/Barbara Lee (Alspaugh)

Burial Date:  2022, 01/21      Age: 93         Lot:983 D Crems

Donald Forest “Butch” Bruning, 93, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away January 13, 2022, at Sterling Village, Sterling. He was born February 23, 1928, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Andy and Hazel Wendt Bruning. Butch has resided in Sterling since 1949, formerly of Nickerson, Kansas. He graduated from Nickerson High School with the class of 1946 and attended University of Kansas for one semester. Butch worked with his father-in-law, C.E. Alspaugh, as a route driver at Sterling Ice Cream Company. He also worked for Michigan-Wisconsin Pipeline, and later started his own business, Don’s Ditching Service, which he operated for many years until he retired. Butch was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Rice County Rural Fire Department, USD 376 Sterling School Board, KLICA, Kansas State High School Official Association, Sterling Country Club, and Sons of the American Legion. He enjoyed playing basketball on the Sterling town league. Butch loved traveling, camping, golfing, and spending his winters in Arizona. Butch was a mechanic for a caravan of RV’s that went into old Mexico. On July 19, 1947, Butch was united in marriage with Barbara Lee Alspaugh in Sterling. She preceded him in death on June 11, 2017. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Eldon Bruning. Butch is survived by his son, Scott Bruning and wife Vickie of Ocala, FL; daughter, Susan Wigginton and husband Hugh of Hoxie, KS; niece and nephew, Bart Bruning and Tammy Rodriquez; two grandchildren, Christopher Bruning and Lizabeth Carriero; four great-grandchildren, Damon Carriero, Allison Bruning, Maddie Bruning, and Logan Hall. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present. Memorials may be given to the Sterling Country Club or the Sterling American Legion Post #128 in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Lowry, Rev. Ronald L                 h/Sheron A( ?)Batt/Marlene Faye(Grose)McReynolds

Burial Date:2021,  12/08            Age:    77               Lot: 459 1/2 C

Ronald “Ron” Lowry went to meet Jesus on December 2, 2021, in Salina, Kansas. His transition to the other side was peaceful. Ron told many people, “If I live, I will win, if I don’t, I will win. When I die, I will win, who could ask for more than a win, win situation”.
Ron served rural churches in central and western Kansas as a United Methodist Ordained Minister. Ron having grown up on a farm north of Abilene loved the rural community people. He could be heard saying the ladies of rural Kansas are the best cooks. He also said he had not met a pie he did not like.
Ron was born January 16, 1944, in Abilene, Kansas to Delbert L. Lowry and Tabitha N. Davidson. Ron attended Friends University and Phillips University where he received his Masters of Divinity.
Ron has many friends and many interests such as ham radio, electronics, creating lighted Christmas decorations and being a ball point pen maker. Ron said turning 308 shell cartridges into writing pens was like turning a sword into plow shares.
Ron is survived by his wife, Sheron and their son Bennett of Wilson, KS; two stepsons, Shawn (Sheryl) Batt of Wichita, KS and Shane (Rosa) Batt of Cyprus, KS; one sister, Judy Adee; and many other family members that include two grandsons, Scott (Kiri) Batt of Wichita, KS, and Shelby (Leah) Batt of Wichita, KS. Ron has six great-grandchildren and loved to hear of their interests and to make them laugh.

Ron was first married to Marlene Faye(Grose) in 1983.  She died in 1990 leaving their son Bennet Alan Lowry without a mother.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Lucas United Methodist Church at 1 PM. Graveside will be held at 4PM at the Sterling Community Cemetery in Sterling, Kansas. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 7, at the funeral home in Wilson from 2PM until 8PM with Family Receiving Friends from 6PM until 8PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Feeding the Children of Central Kansas Inc. or the Lucas United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO BOX 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

Smith, Verta I(Anderson) Thompson            w/Everett Glenn ‘Eddie’/ dw/Philip Elvin

Died: 2021, 11/17                  Age:  89                     Lot: 094-10 F

Verta I. Smith, 89, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away November 17, 2021, at Sterling Village. She was born February 7, 1932, in Sterling, the daughter of Melvin and Marvel I. Small Anderson. Verta was a lifelong Sterling resident. She graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1950. Verta worked as a clerk for JCPenney’s, secretary for Sterling High School from 1950-1951, waitress at Jack’s Drive In, Rodger’s Dry Goods, Glenn’s Dress Shop, secretary for Smith Bros. Fina Station, and retired from Ben Franklins. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sterling, where she taught Sunday School for many years. Verta loved spending time with Eddie, her children and grandchildren. On November 22, 1963, Verta was united in marriage with Everett “Ed” Smith in Hutchinson, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 5, 2020. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Lee Thompson; brother, Elvin Anderson; and sister, Betty Marsh; brother-in-law, Harold Marsh; and nephew, Mark Anderson. Verta is survived by her five children, Pam (Thompson) Stansel and husband Lynn of Hutchinson, KS, Doreen (Smith) Farmer and husband Allan of Sterling, Norris Smith and wife RoseMary of Sterling, Mitch Thompson of Sterling, and Don Thompson and wife Natalie of Alden, KS; sister-in-law, Tommy Anderson of Berwyn Heights, MD; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial will be at a later date at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time at the funeral home. The Family request memorials may be given to Birzer Funeral Home in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Verta I. (Anderson) Smith

February 7, 1932 ~ November 17, 2021 (age 89)

McNutt, MCPO Navy ‘SEAL’ Douglas Jack ‘Doug’

dh/Mary Lee(Kelly)/Loranne(Miller)

Burial Date:  2021, 09/24                Age:  56                Lot:  875 F Crems

Bronze Star Medal Recipient

Master Chief Petty Officer Navy ‘SEAL’ Doug Jack McNutt

February 3, 1965 ~ September 12, 2021 (age 56)   

Master Chief Petty Officer Navy ‘SEAL’ Douglas Jack McNutt, 56, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away September 12, 2021, at his home. He was born February 3, 1965, in Lyons, Kansas, the son of Earl Henry McNutt and Nancy Lucinda “Cindy” Heter McNutt. Doug has resided in Sterling since 2015, formerly of Coronado, California. He graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1983, where he led the football team undefeated to the State Championship. Doug was a retired United States Navy ‘SEAL’, where he served for 30 years. During that service Doug received the BRONZE STAR MEDAL in 2011 during his tour of duty while stationed at a NATO Base in Afghanistan.

He enjoyed nature walks, exercising, meditation, especially at Quivira National Refuge, and most of all spending quality time with those close to him. Doug was a member of the Native American Church and served on the Board of Directors for OMS Church. On August 23, 1989, Doug was married to Mary Lee Kelly in San Diego, California. They later divorced. On January 1, 2004, Doug was married to Loranne Miller in Sterling. They later divorced. He is survived by his two sons, Tom McNutt and Scott McNutt and wife Bethany all of Sacremento, CA; daughter, Sophia McNutt and fiancé Moe both of Bowie, MD; brother, Bradley Earl McNutt and wife Pam of Wichita, KS; sister, Emily Kay McNutt of Woodstock, NY; uncle, Bob Heter and wife Nancy of Sterling; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close lifelong friends and brothers in service. He is preceded in death by his parents; and uncle, Bill Heter.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 24, 2021, at Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors by the United States Navy. Memorials may be given to Mission 22 in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

****Note from US Navy SEAL information: “Your chances of meeting a real life (living) Navy SEAL are about 1 in 3 million.”  Sterling has been privileged to serve this SEAL.

Burial Site. 24 Sept. 2021

Granon, John Alexander ‘Alex’                1st h/Elizabeth(Van Volkinburg)Frederick

Burial Date:  1921,  03/18        Age: 75          Lot: 207 B

John Alexander Granon was born in 1846 in La Belle Épine, Aube, France. He married Elizabeth Van Volkinburgh in 1884 in Kankakee, Illinois. They had three children during their marriage. He died in 1921 in Sterling, Kansas, at the age of 75.

Steffen, Rosetta ‘Faye'(Wilson)                    w/Thomas ‘Tom’ M

Burial Date:  2021,  09/07         Age: 79                     Lot:  1206 B

R. Faye Steffen, 79, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away September 2, 2021, at Legend of Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born June 28, 1942, at home in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, the daughter of Willard A. Wilson and Ruby E. Blau. Faye was a 1960 graduate of Pawnee Rock High School. She graduated from Fort Hays State College with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics in 1964 and a Master’s in Mathematics in 1965. Faye taught at Pawnee Rock High School and later was a teller at Farmer State Bank, Sterling. On August 16, 1964, she married Thomas M. Steffen in Great Bend, Kansas. The couple have two daughters, Lynette (Brian Day), and grandchildren, Sydney and Carson all of Shawnee, KS; and daughter, Tonya (Tim Benning), and grandchildren, Lucas, Craig, Evan, Lauren, Logan, and Drue all of Wichita, KS; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sharol Livengood; and brother, Lynn Wilson. Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday, September 6, 2021, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Serenity Hospice, Hutchinson or Sterling College (for the girls’ basketball program) in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Hopping, LaBerta Loree ‘Bertie'(Schneider)              wife of Victor

Burial Date: 2021,  09/01          Age: 94        Lot:  986  A

LaBerta “Bertie” Loree Hoping 94, passed away on August 25, 2021, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born in Sterling, Kansas to George Herman and Bertha Melvina (Zent) Schneider on Nov. 14, 1926. Preceded in death by her husband, Victor Hopping in 1997. Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 at 11:00 am, Sterling Cemetery, Sterling, KS.

l

Beauchamp, Herbert Earl              h/Donna B(Mathes)

Burial Date:  2021,   08/21          Age:  88         Lot: 1065 B   Crems

Obituary

Herbert E. Beauchamp

South Hutchison – Herbert E. Beauchamp, 88, of South Hutchison, KS, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021, of natural causes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at South Hutchison United Methodist Church, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Claire Gager of South Hutchison United Methodist Church will be officiating.

Burial services will be held at Sterling Cemetery, Sterling, KS at a later date.

Herb was born in Kansas City, KS on June 28, 1932. He graduated from Sterling High School and later graduated with a B.S. degree in Microbiology with an emphasis in virology from University of Kansas in 1955.

He was married to Donna Mathes Beauchamp for over 68 years.

Herb started his career as a virologist with the Kansas State Health Department in Topeka. He then established a virology lab at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, KS in 1959. He later established a virology lab for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, where he retired in 1990 after serving 22 years as chief virologist. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with family and friends and loved gardening, a gift he inherited from his mother. He was also very active with the Lions Club and was a member of the Hutchison Moose Lodge.

Herbert is survived by his wife Donna of the home, three children, Sue (Beauchamp) Dixon and husband Jim of Wynnewood, OK; Michael E. Beauchamp and wife Marti, of Sandia Park, NM; Jeannette (Beauchamp) Burton and husband Kevin of Mulvane, KS; Grandchildren Misse, Mendy, Chris, Charlie, and Ashley. Great grandchildren Nathan, Braydon, Mason, Willow, Maddie, and Lincoln.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents Dr. P.E. and Bernice Beauchamp, and his sister, Carol Beauchamp Smith.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, and the South Hutchison United Methodist Church. The family of Herbert E. Beauchamp would like to thank the staff and personnel at the Hutchison Regional Hospital in the ICU unit for all of their help and compassion.

Hart, Robert Timothy ‘Bob’               dh/Karen S(Valentine)      companion/Vera Ogletree

Burial Date:  2021,  07/21        Age:  78              Lot: 1111 A

Vietnam Veteran

Robert Timothy “Bob” Hart, 78, died July 12, 2021, at his daughter’s home, in Hutchinson, KS. He was born January 6, 1943, in Brownwood, TX, to Lloyd and Ruby (Hagen) Hart.

Bob retired as a meat cutter for Bayless Market, Ojai, CA. He enjoyed basketball, writing songs, and comic and joke books. Bob was passionate to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone, and he was of the Baptist faith.

Bob is survived by: daughter, Krystan Maxwell (Scott); sons, Justin Hart (Sara), Tim Hart (Autumn), Brian Valentine (Jennifer), James Valentine (fiancée, Kristi), and Kenny Valentine; brother, Lloyd Hart; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and companion, Vera Ogletree.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dave Hart.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Calvary Baptist Church, 212 S. 1st Street, Sterling, KS. Burial will follow in Sterling Community Cemetery.

To view Bob’s service on-line, go to the church’s Facebook page: Calvary Baptist Church, Sterling, KS, and click on “videos”.

Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, is in charge of arrangements.

Schneider, Helen Louise(Dhonau)         w/Cloyd Eldon

Burial Date:  2021,  07/17          Age: 92         Lot:  882 B

Funeral services for Helen L. Schneider, 92, will be held at Fairview Funeral Home Inc. Chapel on July 16th at 3:00. Burial will be in Sterling, Kansas on July 17th at 1:00.

Helen was born September 9, 1928 in Nickerson, Kansas to Lloyd and Lucille Dhonau and, passed away July 6, 2021 in Amarillo, Texas. She graduated from Reno County High School in Nickerson, Kansas in 1946. She married Cloyd Schneider on September 9, 1947.

Helen was a member of Fairview Methodist Church, Los Amigos Class, U.M.W., Major County Historical Society, Major County Republican Women’s Society.

Helen’s many jobs included working at Wedel’s Grocery, Fairview Fellowship Home, Major County Sheriff’s Office, volunteering at Serving Christ Outreach, and in many capacities at church. Helen loved doing for others, especially making candy, cookies and baking her famous cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and yard work. She loved spending time with her family. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a Den Mother in Cub Scouts for many years.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Cloyd, sister Virginia, four (4) brothers-in-law – Charles Howell, Alvin Schneider, Don Schneider and Bill Johnson, three (3) nephews, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by son Dan of Amarillo, Texas; daughter Jan Cox and husband Terry of White Deer, Texas; sister Darlene Johnson of Irving, Texas; three (3) grandchildren – Jeff Cox, Jerod Cox and wife Tonita, Tara Young; five (5) great grandchildren – Caitlyn, MaKenna, Cameron, Kalleigh and Michael; sisters-in-law LaBerta Hopping and Glenys Schneider and numerous relatives and friends.

A special thank you to the staff of Meredith Place in Pampa for giving Helen a loving and happy three (3) years. Also, a thank you to Pampa Hospital BSA and Vibra Hospitals of Amarillo, Amarillo Center for Acute Care, and Interim Hospice for her special care.

Memorials may be made to the Fairview Methodist Church or Serving Christ Outreach with Fairview Funeral Home, as custodian, at 221 N. Main, Fairview, Oklahoma 73737.

Dauber, Norman Ellis                              h/Ida Mary(Schader)

Burial:  2021,   09/04                Age: 90                  Lot: 1142 G

Norman Ellis Dauber

October 29, 1930 ~ August 27, 2021 (age 90)

Norman Ellis Dauber, 90, of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Sterling, Kansas, passed away August 27, 2021, at New Mark Care Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on October 29, 1930, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the son of Chester and Kathryn (Nickel) Dauber. Norman graduated from Shirley High School, Shirley, Arkansas with the class of 1948. He resided in Sterling from 1992 to 2017, formerly of Seattle, Washington. Norman learned car upholstery alongside his grandfather Peter Nickel of Inman, Kansas. Norman served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling; Sterling American Legion Post #128; Vintage Motor Car Club of America; and the Lions Club in Sterling. Norman loved cars, especially his 1966 Mustang Convertible. Which he would drive in local parades with his wife. He enjoyed his traveling adventures in Europe, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Norman was a friend to all who knew him. On May 27, 1958, Norman was united in marriage with Ida Mary Schader in Sterling, Kansas. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his daughter, Becky Lee Erickson of Kansas City, MO; brother, Lyle Dauber; and four sisters, Evelyn Lilly, Belva Chang, Vesta Brue, and Elaine Thornton. Norman is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling with Pastor Melissa Krabbe officiating. The service will be lived streamed on the United Presbyterian Church’s Facebook page. Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, September 3, 2021, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Sterling College (for the Faculty Fund) in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Risley, Darlene Cora(Hendricks)Miller       w/Douglas Lee ‘Doug’/                                                                                                                   dw/Robert L Miller

Burial:  2021,  09/01                 Age: 73                    Lot: 860 E

Darleen Cora Risley, 73, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 28, 2021. She was born May 19, 1948, in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of Harry Jr. and Pauline Wright Hendricks. Darleen was a lifelong Rice County resident. She graduated from Alden High School with the class of 1966 and received her Cosmetology License from Sydney’s Hair Dressing School in Hutchinson. Darleen owned and operated The Beauty Parlour in Sterling and was a beautician for 54 years. She also owned and operated the 8th Street Alley ReDesigns with her sister, Dolores Nash, in Sterling. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling; member of Beta Sigma Phi; treasurer for the Food Bank in Sterling; and volunteered at Reins of Hope, Hutchinson. Darleen enjoyed crafts, repurposing furniture and enjoyed decorating for Christmas. On December 24, 1966, Darleen was united in marriage with Robert Miller in Raymond. They later divorced. On January 1, 1982, Darleen was united in marriage with Doug Risley in Sterling. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her seven children, Stephen Miller and wife Traci of Great Bend, KS, Tara Claussen and husband Craig of Springdale, AR, Shandi Webster and husband Ted of Hutchinson, KS, Heather Percival and husband Matt of Wichita, KS, Heidi Taphorn and husband Tom of Manhattan, KS, Jacob Walton of McPherson, KS, and Tamie Hinote of Wichita, KS; two brothers, Harry Hendricks III and wife Susan of Raymond, KS, and Geno Hendricks and wife Koni of Raymond; two sisters Dolores Nash and husband Dave of Panama City Beach, FL, and Dianna Pearson of Noble, OK; sixteen grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Darleen is preceded in death by her parents; father and mother in-law Glen and Eula Risley; daughter, Stacy Miller; and her grandson, Taylor Miller. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Amy Foster and Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 P.M at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of fresh flowers, plants and memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated. Memorial contributions may be given to the Darleen Risley Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.