Jones, Merwin Edward ‘Ed”, Jr.                         h/Margaret ‘Marge'(Lowe)

Burial Date:  2022, 03/19          Age:  80                Lot: 1219 H Crems

Merwin Edward “Ed” Jones Jr., 80, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away January 17, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas. He was born September 18, 1941, on the S curve north of Sterling, the son of Merwin Sr. and Alverna McKee Jones. Ed was a lifelong Sterling resident. He attended Kindergarten through the eighth grade at Union 5 School and graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1959. Ed also attended Sterling College, Kansas State University, and Fort Hays State University. He was a farmer and stockman, custom harvester for over twenty-five years, and drove a cattle truck for Branson Truck Line for over forty-five years. Ed served in the United States Marine Corp Reserve from 1960 until 1966. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, where he served as a deacon and elder. Ed was very involved in 4-H, Lions Club, and was a volunteer at the Sterling Manor and the Sterling Community Garden. He enjoyed watching the Western Channel, model trains, loved farming, was an avid Denver Bronco’s Fan, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ed elk hunted for over twenty years with his father and friends. On May 25, 1962, Ed was united in marriage with Margaret “Marge” Lowe in Sterling. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his four children, Debbie Engelland and husband Doug of Sterling, Scott Jones and wife Cyndi of Overland Park, KS, Doug Jones of Sterling, and Tyler Jones and wife Shawna of Galva, KS; three siblings, Rozita Chedzoy and husband Jim of NY, Rosyln Foster of TX, and Bob Jones and wife Paula of SC; ten grandchildren, Justin Engelland and wife Makenzie, Jake Engelland, Austin Engelland, Jack Jones, Tristin Orem, Ty Herrera, Ashley DeLos Reyes and husband Carlos, Julia Jones, Rylee Jones, and Emma Herrera; four great-grandchildren, Avery, and triplets born on Ed’s 75th birthday, Elie, Caleb, and Owen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lurline Faas and Kathleen Brashear; and daughter-in-law, Cheri Jones. Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, with Pastor Melissa Krabbe officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, with family present. The family request everyone to wear a mask. Memorials may be given to the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling or the Sterling College in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Tilton, Richard Lewis ‘Rick’                 s/Harold Amos & Dorothy Fern(Jones)

Burial Date: 2022,  04/18        Age:  66          Lot: 799 A Crems

Richard Lewis Tilton

April 18, 1955 ~ February 25, 2022 (age 66)

Richard Lewis “Rick” Tilton, 66, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away February 25, 2022, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas. He was born April 18, 1955, in Sterling, the son of Harold A. and Dorothy F. Jones Tilton. Rick attended elementary and Jr. High School in Salina, Kansas, before moving to Sterling with his family in 1970. He graduated from Sterling High School, Sterling, with the class of 1973. Rick was a welder and musician. He is survived by his brother, Lane Tilton of Sterling; sister, Christa Tilton Bishop and husband Kelly of Leoti, KS; and five nieces and nephews, and nine great-nieces and nephews. Rick is preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 18, 2022, at Sterling Community Cemetery, with Pastor Melissa Krabbe officiating. Memorials may be given to Sterling American Legion Post #128 in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Landis, Lynn Ingrid (Phillips)        w/Rev. David Ray Landis, Sr.

Burial Date:  2022,  01/14                 Age 79                    Lot: 1181 E Crems

Lynn I. Landis | 1942 – 2022 | Obituary

Lynn Ingrid Landis was born to Bill and Anne Phillips on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942, in Abington, Pennsylvania.  She was the oldest sibling of sister Signe and brother Bill.  Lynn graduated from Hatboro Horsham High School in 1960, and two years later, married Dave Landis, her high school sweetheart.  The family, including their three children Dawn, David, and Debbie, spent equal time living in Pennsylvania and southwest Colorado before settling in Kansas in 1984.

Lynn was a true artist who loved to create beautiful pieces and designs, but she also lived to serve others.  She found different outlets for doing both, often using her artistic talents as the means through which she served.  A wonderful example is when she and Dave owned the Broadway Market in Sterling, Kansas.  Lynn’s passion for community and creativity were so perfectly combined in this business that it quickly became a popular spot in the community and even earned a Kansas small business award.  Everywhere Lynn lived and worked, she cultivated friendship and beauty.

Lynn was a person who loved deeply.  She loved her church.  She loved her community.  She loved her friends.  She loved strangers she met for the first time.  But, Lynn’s two greatest loves were her love of her Lord and family.  Her love of God was the foundation of everything she stood for. And Lynn was never happier than when she was with family; the times when the whole group was together were moments of pure joy for her.

Lynn’s family includes her late husband Dave, her late sister Signe, her brother Bill and wife Hannah; her daughter Dawn and late husband James, their children Emmi, Eliza, Zeke and Marin; her son David and wife Staci, their children Josh and wife Maddie, Abbi and husband Brennyn, Lizzi, and Jake; her daughter Debbie and husband Randy, their children Bekah, Anna and husband Caleb, and Lydia; Lesa Childers, her daughter born in her heart, and husband Jim and their children Colby and Molly.  She also has two great-grandchildren, Tennyson and Emmersyn Rae.

Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33, Hutchinson. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.

Lynn’s life affected so many, and her legacy will continue through friends and family.

Tilton, Harold Amos                               husband of 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/Marlene Faye(Grose)McReynolds/ Sheron A( ?)Batt

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