Axtell, Elizabeth ‘Kay'(Davis)                             w/Harold Burton

Death Date:  2021,  05/01        Age:  75              Lot: 1242 G   Crems

Burial Date:  2021,  6/10

Elizabeth “Kay” Axtell, 75, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away May 1, 2021 in Fordland, Missouri. She was born June 22, 1945, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Guy and Betty Sullivan Davis. Kay has resided in Fordland since February 2021, formerly of Sterling and Hutchinson. She graduated from Buhler High School, Buhler, Kansas with the class of 1963. Kay worked as a bookkeeper for area Banks, Sterling College Library, Hutchinson Clinic, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, and a Girl Scout Troop Leader in Sterling. Kay enjoyed putting puzzles together, scrapbooking and traveling to Colorado. On December 21, 1968, Kay was united in marriage with Harold Burton Axtell in Sterling. He preceded her in death on December 3, 2020. She is also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Thomas Davis; sister, Sally Davis. Kay is survived by her three daughters, Penny Hochanadel and husband Gery of Venus, TX, Robyn Wheatley and husband Shane of Fordland, MO, and Hollie Judd of Kingman, KS; three sisters, Paulette Hood of Sapulpa, OK, Patricia Malecki and husband Bruce of Hutchinson, KS, and Margie Carey of Arkansas City, KS; sister-in-law, Vera Davis of Hutchinson, KS; and eight grandchildren, Gery Christopher, Michaela, Lillian, Anthony, and Benjamin Hochanadel, Elijah, Madison, and Chloe Judd. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, May 6, 2021 at the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling with Pastor Melissa Krabbe officiating. Burial will be Sterling Community Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to Haven Home Health and Hospice, Ozark, MO or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Matherley,  Sarah E            w/  ?

Burial: 1885, 02/24            Age: 36                  Lot:199 A

There seems to be discrepancy in this record but unable to clarify it further at present time.

Sarah E is a sister of Margaret Elizabeth Matherley, who was born on January 9, 1845, in Lebanon, Indiana, the daughter of Elizabeth and Manford. Margaret married Jacob H. Smisor on December 5, 1866, in Rush, Indiana. They had two children during their marriage. She died on November 7, 1923, in Sterling, Kansas, at the age of 78, and was buried there.

Parents:

Schmidt, Geral Loy Henry                     husband of Margie Sue(Rempel)

Burial Date:  2021,  03/31              Age: 80                     Lot: 1218 G

Geral Loy Henry Schmidt

April 25, 1940 ~ March 27, 2021 (age 80)

Geral Loy Henry Schmidt, 80, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away March 27, 2021 at Sterling Village. He was born April 25, 1940, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, the son of Ted and Ruth Traudt Schmidt. Geral has resided in Sterling for the past 50 years. He graduated from Corn High School, Corn, Oklahoma with the class of 1958, and later received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Geral was a custom harvester, farmer, and rancher. Over a ten year period, he taught industrial arts and coached for the Alden, Sterling, Lorraine, and Wheaton, Kansas schools . He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, member of Kansas Livestock Association, board member of U. S. Custom Harvesters, and board member of the Rice County Community Healthcare Foundation. Geral was an avid Oklahoma University football fan, enjoyed hunting and fishing and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Throughout his lifetime, Geral walked in close relationship with God, building a strong prayer life that helped him face many challenges. He left his family with a legacy of faith, hard work, and love. On September 5, 1959, Geral was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Margie Rempel, in Corn, Oklahoma. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his daughter, Susan Riffe and husband Lee of Dallas, TX; son, Clark Schmidt and wife Jessica of Sterling; two sisters, Loretta Schmidt and husband Howard of Corn, OK, and Barbara Goodman and husband Ron of Conway, AR; five grandchildren, Garrett (fiancée Claire) and Allison Riffe, and Debra, Wyatt, and Waylon Schmidt; and numerous nieces and nephews. Geral is preceded in death by his parents. The funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Masks are strongly encouraged. The service will be live-streamed on Birzer Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Please use the following link to view the service virtually. https://fb.me/e/ABT1aKcl Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Sterling, Rice County Community Healthcare Foundation, or Sterling College Women’s Basketball Program in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Pinkston, Roger                      dh/Becky(Tucker)Pinkston Wallace

Father of Melissa J.(Pinkston)Klinkerman

Burial Date: 2021,  03/23              Age:   66                 Lot: 1067 E   Crems

US Marine Corp           Vietnam War

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Roger Pinkston (Sterling, Kansas), born in Burrton, Kansas, who passed away on February 23, 2021 at the age of 66. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Roger Pinkston to pay them a last tribute. You may also light a candle in honor of Roger Pinkston.

He was loved and cherished by many people including : his parents, Jessie Pinkston and Pauline Pinkston.

Davis, Vickie Lynn(Proffitt)                                  w/Ronald ‘Ron’ L

Death Date:  2021,  03/09              Age:   68                 Lot:  976 F  Crems

Burial Date:  2021,  03/20

Vickie Lynn (Proffitt) Davis

December 12, 1952 ~ March 9, 2021 (age 68)

Vickie Lynn Davis, 68, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away March 9, 2021 at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born December 12, 1952 in Sterling, the daughter of Charles Wayne and Ruth E. Flessner Proffitt. Vickie was a lifelong resident of Sterling and Alden. She graduated from Sterling High School, Sterling with the class of 1970 and attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas. Vickie worked for Dillions and Kroger from 1975 until her retirement in 2014, as a customer service manager. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Alden, member of SCSHA (South Central Stock Horse Association), member of Beta Sigma Phi of Sterling, and former Rice County 4-H horse leader. Vickie loved horses, enjoyed crafts and painting, going camping at Wilson Lake, and most of all spending time with her grandkids, granddogs, and family gatherings. She also enjoyed watching Kansas State Athletics in her free time. On January 5, 1974, Vickie was united in marriage with Ronald “Ron” Davis in Alden, Kansas. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her step-mother, Donna Proffitt of South Hutchinson; two children, Mandy Thompson and husband Joe Johns of Alden, KS, and Aaron Davis and wife Felecia of Sterling; four step-sisters, Linda Golding and husband Bill of Nickerson, KS, Kay McAllaster of Hutchinson, KS, Marsha Schrag and husband Steve of Hutchinson, KS, and Julie Engelland and husband Rex of Sterling; three grandchildren, Mardee and Talee Thompson, and Jolie Johns; granddogs, Morgan Wayne and Mollie Mae; and many extended kids and grandkids. Vickie is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Rebecca Lynn Davis; brother, Curtis Proffitt; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Proffitt. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, Alden with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 19, 2021 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to SCSHA (South Central Stock Horse Association) for the SCSHA Vickie Davis and Family Memorial Scholarship or Hospice House of Hutchinson in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Garey, Leonard Ree                            husband of Betty Carol(Colle)

Burial Date:  2021,  03/15                  Age: 98                     Lot: 985 G

US ARMY   Career Veteran   WW II, Korea, Vietnam

Leonard Ree Garey, 98, of Hutchinson, passed away March 7, 2021, at Legend Senior Living. He was born November 19, 1922, in Stafford, KS, to his parents, Charles Milton Garey and Eula Dean Hopkins Garey.

Leonard graduated from Sterling High School in 1941. He served his country as a Master Sergeant in the United States Army for 20 years, serving in World War II, the Korean War era, and the Vietnam War era. Leonard also spent 16 years in the Civil Service.

Leonard married the love of his life, Betty Carol Colle Garey, on April 25, 1942. They lived a full life together and celebrated 72 wedding anniversaries together before her death on June 5, 2014. Leonard lived in or visited all 50 states and 22 foreign countries. They had 2 children: Keith Dean and Marilyn Carol.

Leonard was a 32^nd Degree Mason, a member of Sterling Masonic Lodge #171 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, and Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of CrossPoint Church.

Leonard was preceded in death by: his wife, Betty Carol Colle Garey; his parents, Charles Milton Garey and Eula Dean Hopkins Garey; 3 brothers, Lester, Loren, Ivan; and a son-in-law, Robert Dee Stange.

Survivors include: Keith Dean Garey (son) and Sharon Lynn Stafford Garey (daughter-in-law), Sterling, KS; Marilyn Carol Garey (Stange) Volin (daughter) and James Milton Volin (son-in-law), Hutchinson, KS; Curt Dean Garey (grandson) and Marita Taylan Albano Garey (granddaughter-in-law), Wichita, KS; and great-grandson, Thaddeus Dean Albano Garey, and great-grandson, Joah Silas Albano Garey; Kimberly Lynn Garey Trujillo (granddaughter) and Edward Dean Trujillo (grandson-in-law), Valley Center, KS; and great-grandson, Lincoln Dean Trujillo, and great-grandson, Hudson Garey Trujillo.

Leonard was a Christian man who placed God first in his life; second, his family whom he loved dearly; and third, his beloved country, America. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, who is with the Lord this day.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary. A private family graveside service will be held in Sterling Community Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers. memorials are suggested to CrossPoint Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Career Military

Moore, Anna  ‘Annie’ E.

Burial Date:  1908, 08/28          Age: 40          Lot: 074 G

Daughter of Henry W. Moore and Nancy E Moore

No further information available at this time.

Gard, Scott Russell                husband of Amy(Crabtree) Boswell/dh/Pat(McMurphy)

Burial Date:  2021,  02/08                 Age: 70           Lot: 825 A  A

Veteran    –  U.S. Marines 1969-1980

Schneider, Don Alan                     dh/Carol Lee(Meyers)

son of George Herman and Bertha Melvina(Zent)Schneider

Date of death: 2021,  01/16           Age: 82          Lot: 1050 H  Crems

1-28-21

Obituary

Don Alan Schneider, 82, died Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Comfort House in McAllen, TX.  He was born June 17, 1938  in Rice County, KS, the son of George Herman and Bertha Melvina (Zent) Schneider.  He graduated from Sterling High School in 1956.

Don married Carol Lee Meyers; they later divorced. He was a farmer, a welder for Farmland Industries, Hutchinson, KS, then moved to Nebraska working for Behlen Mfg. in Columbus, NE.

Don was celebrated in Columbus, NE for Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army each Christmas season for 6 years, serving more than 2400 hours.

In 2019 he moved to Pharr, TX to be near his son, Alan’s family.

Don is survived by his son, Alan and wife Elizabeth; three grandsons;  Jaiden Schneider, Pharr, TX,  Chris and Matt Schneider, Windsor, CO;  and sister Laberta Hopping, McPherson, KS.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Cloyd and Alvin Schneider.

Private burial Jan. 26, 2021 in the Sterling Cemetery, Sterling, KS.

Memorial Funeral Home of San Juan is in charge of arrangements.

Mahoney, Charles David ‘Chuck’       dh/Jo Ann(Miller)  Life-partner of Janet Peterson

Burial Date:  2021,  01/09                Age: 83                     Lot: 1057 G

Charles (Chuck) David Mahoney, age 83, of Sterling, Kansas passed away peacefully December 31, 2020. He was born in Sterling, KS on March 31, 1937. Chuck grew up enjoying swimming and lifeguarding at Sterling lake, and often shared memories of being an “extra” for the movie Picnic. Chuck graduated from Sterling High School in 1955. After graduating, he ventured west to the oil fields of Wyoming, where he worked for Belco Petroleum (Enron) for 37 years. When he retired from Enron, Chuck returned to Sterling where he lived until his death. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, coin collecting and he was well known for his “world famous” sand hill plum jelly. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Logan Mahoney; mother, Josephine Mahoney; step-mother, Ann Mahoney; and life-partner, Janet Peterson. Chuck is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Paul Hering; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Bev Mahoney; grandchildren, Sharlee More, Amanda DeBoom and Matthew Mahoney; twin great-grandchildren, Holland and Sebastian DeBoom; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Daryl Robe; as well as nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 9th at 1:00 P.M. at the Sterling Cemetery at 500 East Cleveland Avenue, Sterling KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Axtell, Harold Burton                           h/Elizabeth ‘Kay'(Davis)

Death Date:  2020,  12/03               Age: 74               Lot: 1242 G Crems

US Army                1967-1973       Vietnam

Harold Burton Axtell, 74, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 3, 2020 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born January 24, 1946 in Sterling, the son of Donnell B. and Margaret L. Hurr Axtell. Harold was a lifetime Sterling resident. He graduated from Nickerson High School with the class of 1964; and later attended Pittsburg Vocational College for two years, where he received his electrical engineering training . Harold was a dairy farmer. He served in the United States Army from November 13, 1967 until July 18, 1973. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, where he served as a past treasurer and sang in the choir; member and past District Governor of Lions Club; and member of AMPI (Associated Milk Producers, Inc). Harold enjoyed elk hunting, watching basketball, traveling, and most of all spending time with his family. On December 21, 1968, Harold was united in marriage with Elizabeth “Kay” Davis in Sterling. She survives of the home. Harold is also survived by his three daughters, Penny Hochanadel and husband Gery of Venus, TX, Robyn Wheatley and husband Shane of Fordland, MO, and Hollie Judd and husband Jerry of Kingman, KS; brother, Harvey Axtell and wife Marcia of Sterling; eight grandchildren, Gery Christopher, Michaela, Lillian, Anthony and Benjamin Hochanadel, and Elijah, Madison, and Chloe Judd. He is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be given to United Presbyterian Church, Sterling or Kansas Lions Sight Foundation in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. The service will be live-streamed on Birzer Funeral Home’s FaceBook page.

Muscott, Ira Oscar                           s/George Albert & Sarah Cathryn ‘Katie'(Chitty)

Death:  1880, 04/14           Age: 2                Lot:  PF

George A Muscott

Tieperman, Phyllis Jean(Evans)                        w/Jerry

Death Date:  2020, 08/16          Age: 86             Lot:1241 B Crems

Burial Date: 2020,  11/28

Phyllis Evans Tieperman, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on August 16, 2020 in her Sterling, KS home. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Jerry Tieperman; her children, Timothy (Elizabeth) and Sabra Tieperman; and her grandchildren, Robin (Abraham) Tieperman-Nispel and Janice Tieperman. She is predeceased by Jonathan Evans, her brother. Phyllis was born on February 23, 1934 to Palmer and Ethel Cozette Evans in Selkirk, Kansas. She graduated high school in Ulysses, KS in 1952 before pursuing a degree in education from what is now Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK, where she graduated in 1956. While working as a schoolteacher in St. John, KS, Phyllis met and eventually married Jerry, who was taken with her kind and altruistic nature towards everyone around her. After accepting a teaching position in Sterling, Phyllis and Jerry became permanent residents of the town, where they would later raise their 2 children, Timothy and Sabra. Phyllis is fondly remembered for the unconditional love she gave to her friends and family, along with the kind and attentive service she gave to countless students throughout the years. Due to her background in education, she always loved making crafts and collecting mementos from the world around her. To Phyllis, nothing was ever out of place, and she was always able to find a purpose and meaning for any stray object, no matter how lost or misplaced it may have seemed at the time. In her free time, Phyllis adored spending time with her children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives both near and far. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, 28, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to USD #376 for the Phyllis Tieperman Scholarship Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Ross, Kenneth Lee                                       h/Rosetta Ruth(Rempel)

Burial Date:  2020,  11/18       Age:73                     Lot: 345 H Crems

June 27, 1947 – November 13, 2020

Kenneth Lee Ross, 73, died Friday, November 13, 2020. He was born June 27, 1947, in Little River, to Harry L. and Ruth  F. (Cory) Ross.

He was a 1965 graduate of Little River High School. Kenneth was a member of First Southern Baptist Church and Partridge Gun Club.

He retired in June 2010, from Morton Salt Co. as assistant store room clerk, with 38 years of service.

On June 24, 1967, he married Ruth Rempel, in Hutchinson. Ruth, his wife of over 53 years of marriage, survives. Also surviving are: children, Devon and husband Mark Reese of Berthoud, CO, and Daren and wife Amie of Wichita; siblings, Suzette and husband Larry Bozeman of San Jacinto, CA, and Curt and wife Dixie Ross of Hesston; five grandchildren, Courtney and husband Chris Jensen of McPherson, John Borton of Northglen, CO, Frank Reese, Katie and husband Scott Athey, and Jacob and wife Lydia Reese, all of Wichita; and 6 great- grandchildren.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.

Family graveside at Sterling Community Cemetery will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2020, with Dr. Roy Jaye presiding. Friends may sign Kenneth’s memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions may be made to the church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501

Kennedy, Robert F. ‘Bob’             h/Kay Frances(Keevert)Temple/ divorced h/Charlene L.(Randle)

Died: 2020, 11/11                      Age: 89                      Lot:  1182 H

Robert F. Kennedy, 89, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away November 11, 2020 at his home. He was born March 8, 1931 at home in Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania, the son of Lester L. and Frances M. Coudriet Kennedy. Bob has been a resident of Sterling since 1965. He was employed for forty-three years from 1953-1996 as a supply clerk for North American Salt of Lyons, Kansas. He also served as custodian for First United Methodist Church, Sterling for 28 years, working evenings and weekends, retiring in 1998. Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, International Chemical Workers Union, Cub Scout leader, attended friendship meals, volunteer at First United Methodist Church, Sterling and Rice County Women’s Thrift Shop, and was the driver for Sterling College library staff to out of town meetings. He married Charlene L. Randle November of 1950 in Lyons, Kansas. To that union was born three children, Kerby, Kala, and Karen. They divorced in 1959. Bob married Kay F. Keevert-Temple December 21, 1962. She also brings three children to the family, Elizabeth, Kara, and Stephen, fathered by Vernon D. Temple. Together they had Emily. Survivors include sister, Vanetta L. Kennedy, brother, Ardell R. Kennedy of Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania, Kerby Kennedy of Sterling, Stephen Temple of Wichita, Kala (Phillip) Wright of Spiro, Oklahoma, Kara (Bryce) Johnson of Lyons, Kansas, Karen (Dennis) Buccella of Greenwood, Arkansas, and Emily (Chris) Gillespie of Alden, Kansas, eighteen grandchildren, thirty-one great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and two great granddaughters on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Kay of fifty-four years on March 21, 2017, his parents, a brother, Lester F. Kennedy, and daughter Elizabeth K. Temple-Cook. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Amy Foster and Pastor Bob Baer officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, November 13, 2020 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Rice County Women’s Thrift Shop or First United Methodist Church, Sterling in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. The service will also be streamed live on the Birzer Funeral Home FaceBook page.