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

Burial Date:   2019,  08/23                Age: 79                       Lot:1181 G

U. S. Army        Vietnam     

February 12, 1940 – August 18, 2019

David Ray Landis, Sr. was born February 12, 1940, in Highspire, PA. He passed on August 18, 2019, in Hutchinson, Kansas.

David married Lynn Phillips in 1962, and they had three children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was a businessman, an educator, coach, counselor, and pastor.

Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2019, at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Sterling College Scholarship Fund or Central Christian School Scholarship Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.

David served in the US Army from 1962-1965.  Buried with full military honors.

Sipes, Gary Alvin                      divorced husband of Vivian L(Thurman)

son of Clay Edward and Beatrice White Sipes.

Burial Date: 2019,  07/26             Age:    69                   Lot:  1161 D

Gary Alvin Sipes, 69, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away July 18, 2019 at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 20, 1950 in Bernie, Missouri, the son of Clay Edward and Beatrice White Sipes. He was a resident of Sterling, Kansas. Gary was a member of XL-Church outreach of IOM America. He is survived by his five children, Mary Buchholz, Richard Alvin Sipes, Christina Sipes, Melissa Sipes, and Tricia Sipes; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; siblings, Shirley Piper, Clay Jr. Sipes, Sandra Bartkoski, Patricia Baskett, Jacob Sipes, Daniel Sipes, and Kathy Vochatzer. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Eujania Oshea. Funeral service will be at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Pastor Phinney officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Hedrick, Gordon Ray                                       h/ Donita (Newby)

Burial Date:  2019,   07/08              Age: 72                   Lot: 1019 G Crems

Captain, U.S. Navy

War: Vietnam   

October 01, 1946 – June 28, 2019

Gordon Ray Hedrick, 72, of Hutchinson, died June 28, 2019. He was born October 1, 1946, in Hutchinson, to Ralph Sterling and Virginia Rose (Hildebrand) Hedrick.

Gordon graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1964, Emporia State Teachers College in 1968, and received his master’s degree from Wichita State University in 1979. He served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1993, retiring as a Captain. Gordon also worked as a car salesman for Doug Reh Chevrolet in Pratt, retiring after 38 years of service. Gordon was involved in the Lions Club, St. John and Hutchinson, and was past-president of Friends of Quivira. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.

On September 5, 1967, Gordon married his high school sweetheart, Donita Newby at First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson. They shared almost 52 years of marriage together.  Gordon is survived by: his wife, Donita of Hutchinson; daughters, Pam Wells (Jesse) of Enterprise, Kansas, Nancy French of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Emma Moss (Joe), Gage French, Kai French; brother, Stephen Hedrick of Pratt; aunt, Letha Hildebrand of Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Jane Newby; nephew, Scott Newby; niece, Elizabeth Newby; and beloved Yorkie, Max.  He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother-in-law, Dee Newby; and nephew, David Newby.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with The Very Reverend Andy Hook officiating. Burial will follow in Sterling Community Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hutchinson School of Tae Kwon Do, Friends of Quivira, or First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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Mathews, Susan Mary(Stow)                    w/Frank Leslie Mathews

daughter of  John Oscar and Mary Jane (McElroy) Stow

Burial Date:   1952, 01/18       Age: 77        Lot: 577 E

Susan Mary Stow Mathews

Miller, John Leo

divorced husband of Barbara Lou (Unruh-Harrison) Asher

Burial Date: 2019, 07/06                  Age: 78                      Lot: 1120 G

U.S. Army        Cold War

John Leo Miller, 78, passed away July 2, 2019 at his home. He was born September 30, 1940 in Sterling, Kansas, the son of Guy L. and Hazel Ramsey Miller. John was a longtime Sterling resident. He graduated from Sterling High School; and later Commercial Trade Institute in Automation Electronics. John worked as a Red Cross water safety instructor; and for DMH Corp. in Hutchinson, Kansas, as a foreman and in construction until his retirement. He served in the United States Army as a Radio Teletype Operator in Germany from September 10, 1959 until August 29, 1961. John loved golfing and was a longtime member of the USGA. He was a member of the Former Missionary Church of Sterling, Kansas. John is survived by his son, Jeff Miller and wife Angie of Springfield, OR; daughter, Debi Love of Lawson, MO; sister, Betty Lattimer of Hutchinson, KS; and three granddaughters, Ali, Morgan and Sadie Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cynthia Gae Miller; brothers, Eugene and Frank Miller; sisters, Georgia Casey Dutton, Patricia Duncan, and Lillian Pickerell. Graveside service will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Hospice, 123 W. Kansas Ave., Independence, MO 64050 in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Prebble, Sr.,  Lawrence Ernest        husband of Sarah Jane(Alexander)

Burial Date: 2019,  06/27          Age: 76             Lot:1019 B Crems

Lawrence Ernest Prebble of Hutchinson, Kansas

January 22, 1943 – June 7, 2019

Chambers, Glenn Alvin                            h/ Melinda(Snyder); dh/Anita J(Tompkins)/dh/Constance Joan(Hilley)Shelton

Burial Date: 2019,  06/20              Age: 90             Lot: 128 L Crems

Glenn Alvin Chambers May 20, 1929 ~ May 27, 2019 

Glenn Alvin Chambers, of Hutchinson, died on May 27, 2019 at the Hutchinson Hospice House. Glenn was born May 20, 1929 in Floydada, Texas, to Arthur and Audra Chambers. Glenn received his undergraduate degree from North Texas State University and his Masters’ of Divinity from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. Glenn served churches in Texas and in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado. He served in many leadership roles in the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church including chairman of the conference Board of Trustees, chairman of the conference Council on Finance and Administration and District Superintendent of the Pueblo district. He was known for his quick wit and eloquence in the pulpit. Glenn taught at Denver University’s Iliff School of Theology, was a 32nd degree Mason and was involved in a variety of volunteer organizations during his life. He is survived by his wife Melinda, daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Dieter Martin, son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Ashley Chambers, seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Cynthia Syncere. The funeral service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson on Tuesday, June 4 at 11am. Memorials may be given to the Sterling United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church or an organization of donors’ choice in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Corwin,   Donald Dean

husband of Pat(?) Eberhardt and Carol Ann(Gatton)Davis

Burial Date: 2019,   06/13                   Age: 73              Lot: 1035 D  Crems

Don Dean Corwin, 76, of Sterling, passed away June 6, 2019 at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling. He was born October 15, 1942 in Hutchinson, the son of Glenn and Mildred (Davenport) Corwin. Don graduated from Sterling High School. He was a lifelong Sterling resident. Don owned and operated Corwin’s Corner, a gas station and auto repair,  in Sterling for many years. On August 4, 2006, Don was united in marriage with Pat Eberhardt in Sterling. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, James Corwin and wife Stacey of Sterling, Karen Cruth and husband Kenneth of Hutchinson, Richard Corwin of Iola, KS, Anthea Burson of Palm Springs, CA, Stephanie Matthews and David Klassen of Sterling, Deborah Walker of Hutchinson, Larry Cruth of Nickerson, Linda Cruth and husband Bruce Shipka of Los Angeles, CA, Jerry Cruth of Hutchinson; brother, Ron Corwin and wife Teresa of Hutchison; sister, Joyce Regehr and husband Jim of Corpus Christi, TX; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beverly Glass; and wife, Carol Corwin. Private Graveside services will be held at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

McQuin, Peggy Ann(Fulton)         wife of James E. McQuin

Burial Date:  2019,  05/10              Age:  81             Lot:  853 C  Crems

Death Date:  2019,  04/24  in Holt, MO

Peggy Ann McQuin

Zwick, Howard Eugene   h/Patricia Louise Chaney-Zwick/dh/Colleen Kay(Thode)

Burial Date: 2019,  04/15            Age: 83                  Lot:   936 C Crems

Howard Eugene Zwick

June 3, 1935 ~ April 10, 2019 (age 83)

Howard E. Zwick, 83, of Lyons, passed away April 10, 2019, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born June 3, 1935, in Lyons, the son of Harry and Marjory Wolf Zwick. He graduated from Nickerson High School with the class of 1953. Howard was a lifetime Rice County resident. He was a retired farmer and stockman. Howard was a member and past board member of Midland United Church of Christ, Sterling; member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Wichita; and former Nickerson Co-op board member. On June 3, 1955, Howard was united in marriage with Colleen Kay Thode in rural Sterling. They later divorced. In November of 2005, Howard was united in marriage with Pat Chaney in Wichita. She preceded him in death on April 27, 2010. He is also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brenda Kay Zwick; and brothers, Keith and Don Zwick. He is survived by his two sons, Craig Zwick and wife Kenneta, and Scott Zwick and wife Jan both of Lyons; two brothers, Alvin Zwick of Hutchinson, KS, and Gary Zwick of rural Sterling; four grandchildren, Anne and Scott Hjetland, Andy and Debbie Zwick, Molly and Dustin Schultz, Kaleb Zwick; and three great-grandchildren, Cooper Hjetland, Rozalin Hjetland, and Adaline Schultz. Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 15, 2019, at Midland United Church of Christ, Sterling, with Pastor Matt Perkins officiating. Private family burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons with family present. Memorials may be given to Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Kelley, Buddy Joe ‘Bud’                    husband of  Melva Joan(Davis)

Burial Date: 2023, 11/11           Age: 93          Lot:     1185 F Crens

WW II      U.S. Army   

Buddy Joe “Bud” Kelley, 92, of Sterling, passed away June 5, 2019 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born August 12, 1926 in New Blaine, Arkansas, the son of Raymond and Faye Jones Kelley. Bud graduated from St. John High School with the class of 1945, and later graduated from Sterling College. He has resided in Sterling for the past 21 years, having moved in the fall of 1998; formerly of St. John, Kansas. He wintered for many years in Rockport, Texas. Bud was a teacher and coach for 36 years at Alden, Sterling, Santana, and Fairfield Schools from 1951 until 1988. At Sterling College, Bud lettered in basketball, football, baseball and track. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Sterling College in the fall of 1998. Bud served in the United States Army from February 3, 1945 until December 2, 1946. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sterling; Sterling American Legion Post #128; member of the Wednesday coffee and doughnut crew at the Alden Community Center; and Sterling Country Club. Bud enjoyed woodworking, loved golfing and fishing, playing cards and his family. On July 17, 1949, Bud was united in marriage with Joan Davis in Hudson, Kansas. They were married just 11 days shy of 70 years. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, Paula Weinman and husband Glenn of Phillipsburg, KS, Peggy Reynolds of Sterling, KS, and Troy Kelley and wife Sharon of Sterling, KS; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob, Bill, and Ben Kelley; and sisters, Betty Howell and Bernita Henks. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, June 10, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 6:00 P.M., Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Sterling Country Club in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Ashes of Bud and Joan were buried together, in one urn,  in 1185 F on 11/11/2023.

Smith, Elvin Ray              Divorced husband of:

Burial: 2019,  06/11         Age: 68             Lot:  919 C  Crems

Son of Harry Elvin and Wilma(Dymond)Roach

Elvin Ray Smith, 68, of Alden, passed away June 5, 2019 at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born September 17, 1950 in Sterling, the son of Harry E. and Wilma June (Dymond) Smith. Elvin graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1968, and later attended Kansas State University for 3 years. He was a near lifelong Sterling and Alden resident, having lived in Gypsum, Colorado from 1990 until 2017. Elvin was the head custodian for Battle Mountain High School in Edwards, Colorado for 15 years. He also worked for Sterling Drilling and Oil Company. Elvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. He was a record holder in high school track. Elvin is survived by his three sons, Timothy R. Smith and wife Laura of Sterling, Brandon L. Cruth of Boise, ID, and Jeremy R. Smith and wife Aubrey of Wichita, KS; sister, Myra K. Smith of Hagerstown, MD; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert E. Smith. Graveside service will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Sterling Community Cemetery with Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Memorials may be given to the Arbor Day Foundation or The National Wildlife Federation in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Adam, Eleanor Verlee (Rakestraw)         Divorced wife of Jack Adam

Buried:  2011,   12/17                            Age:   74                    Lot: 921 C

Verlee Adam, born Sept. 20, 1937, died on Nov. 30, 2011 at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado.

Verlee was the oldest of five children born to Calvin Earl and Lillian Rae Rakestraw of Sterling, Kan. Verlee graduated from Sterling High School in 1955 and as an adult attended Barton County Community College, Fort Hays State University and graduated in 1979 with her master in social work (MSW) from the University of Kansas (Go Jayhawks!!). Verlee’s social work career touched many lives both in agencies and through her private practice. She is probably most remembered, however, for her role in helping to initiate and facilitate in the Diabetes Education Program at SBA Memorial Hospital.

Outside of her career life, Verlee was also an outspoken and enthusiastic “rebel rouser.” She kept close watch on the city politics and wrote letters and attended meetings advocating for “the little guys.” Verlee also enjoyed antiquing, quilting, reading and computer play. Verlee loved to socialize with family and friends and had many close friendships, both old and new. Verlee’s pride and joy, her children and grandchildren, were cherished by her. She was known as the mom everyone wanted to have and the “fun” grandma.

Surviving Verlee are her children, Kevin Ray Adam and wife Julie of Highland’s Ranch, Colo., and Shelly Adam-Green and husband Paul of Cushing, Okla.; her grandchildren, Morgan Green Helms and husband Ramey of Woodward, Okla., Taylor Green of Cushing, Okla., and John Adam and Shannon Adam, both of Highland’s Ranch, Colo.; and siblings include, Linda Riner of Hutchinson, Dub and Anita Rakestraw of El Dorado, Curt and Diana Rakestraw of Wichita, and Rick Brotzman of Hutchinson.

Proceeding Verlee in death were her parents; brother-in-law, Bud Riner; and her stillborn son, Rusty.

Celebration of life services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado. Memorials in her honor can be made to SBAMH Foundation: Diabetes Education Program. Leave a memory or condolence for the family at www.carlsoncolonial.com.

E Verlee Rakestraw Adam

Taylor, Billy Gene                             husband of Betty June(Mead)

Burial Date: 2019,  06/01          Age: 86        Lot:1036 G Crems

War:  Korean    U.S. Army    

Billy Gene Taylor

August 31, 1932 ~ May 28, 2019 (age 86)

Billy G. Taylor, 86, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Brookdale Senior Living, Hutchinson. He was born on August 31, 1932 in Cleveland, Oklahoma, the son of Gilbert and Margaret Ross Taylor. They moved to a farm west of Sterling, Kansas in 1936. Billy graduated from Sterling High School, Sterling with the class of 1950, and Hutchinson Jr. College with the class of 1952. He was a lifetime farmer, farming the land with Betty near Sterling from 1955 until his retirement in 2005 to Hutchinson. Billy served in the United States Army from June 17, 1953 until May 16, 1955 during the Korean War. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, where he served on the church board for 35 years. He was also instrumental in the remodeling of the sanctuary and loved working at the church helping wherever he could. Billy was also a member of the American Legion for 60 years, member of the Masonic Lodge for 42 years, and Carnegie award recipient for saving a woman’s life. Billy loved camping and fishing with the family on vacation and at the river farm. He really loved most was traveling with Betty in their trailer to South Padre and Arizona. On March 29, 1952, Billy was united in marriage with Betty Mead. She survives of the home. Billy was a loving husband of 67 years, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is also survived by his family he loved dearly: son, Curtis Taylor and wife Myrna; daughters, Cheryl Thombley and husband Wilbur, and Teresa Robinson and husband Gary; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Taylor; and sister, Delores Taylor Newell. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 1, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Pastor Randall Turner officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery with Masonic Rites and military honors by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Grace Foundation, c/o Kindred Hospice, Hutchinson, or First United Methodist Church, Sterling, for building maintenance in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Wilkey, John Stevenson                         husband of Phyllis Marjorie(Farr)

Burial Date:  2019,  05/31               Age: 73                Lot: 1197 D

John Stevenson Wilkey

August 21, 1945 ~ May 26, 2019 (age 73)

John Stevenson Wilkey, 73, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away May 26, 2019 at his home in Sterling. He was born on August 21, 1945, in Sterling, the son of Louis “Lou” and Mary Jane McKissick Wilkey. John attended Union 2 Grade School, Sterling High School, and Sterling College. He was a math teacher and coach at Newton and Salina, Kansas for seven years before returning to the farm in Sterling. John farmed for 50 years. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Sterling, where he was a Deacon and ruling Elder, Sunday School teacher, and led a young men’s community Bible study. John served on many boards including the Sterling USD 376 School Board; Sterling Co-op Board; Sterling College Board of Trustees; Rice County Community Foundation; and local bank board. John was a strong supporter of Rice County 4-H. John began to notice symptoms of tiring easily, loss of strength, and difficulty talking. He went to several doctors over the course of four years. John and Phyllis visited Mayo Clinic to see what was wrong. This esteemed clinic diagnosed him with Parkinsonism in 2016, and focused his treatment on reduction of symptoms. John’s neurologist noticed new, different symptoms around six months ago and referred John to KU Medical Center for an ALS determination. John was officially diagnosed with ALS in March of 2019. John met his wife, Phyllis Farr, at Sterling College. On August 2, 1968, John was united in marriage with Phyllis in Beloit, Kansas. They celebrated their 50th anniversary on August 2, 2018. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his two sons, Justin and wife Joy of Coweta, OK, and their three children, Jackson, Isaac, and Tess, and Tanner and wife Courtney of Sterling, KS, and their two children, Annie and Hank; sister, Peg Condray of Minneapolis, KS; sister-in-law, Dawn Wilkey; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lou and Mary Jane; step-mother, Sara Wilkey; and brothers, Hadley and Edgar Wilkey. John’s life was marked by humility, faithfulness, and generosity. He was content with what he had, not eager to spend money on himself if there were unmet Kingdom needs around him. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 31, 2019 at Reformed Presbyterian Church, Sterling, with Pastor Brian Wright officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Reformed Presbyterian Church, Sterling, or Sterling College in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

John Wilkey was receipient of the 2009 Sterling High School Black Bear Award.

Wilkey awarded 2017 Sterling College Distinguished Service Award

#SterlingProud #HomecomingAtSterling #HereAtSterling
https://www.sterling.edu/…/wilkey-awarded-2017-sterling-col…

Sterling resident John Wilkey ’67 was awarded the Sterling College Distinguished Service Award on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, for his continual dedication to the College and his lifetime of service to the community. Presented at the Alumni Banquet and Award Ceremony, Wilkey was celebrated along with Alumni Award winner Gary White ’72 and Dr. Drew Miller ’02.

“John Wilkey’s life is marked by humility, faithfulness and generosity. Whether it is the local church, the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Sterling College, or simply people in need, John and his wife, Phyllis, have met the call and provided love, truth and helping hand. We are honored to announce Mr. Wilkey as our 2017 Distinguished Service Award winner,” said Dr. Scott Rich, president.

Wilkey, a local farmer and rancher, graduated from Sterling College in 1967 with an education degree with an emphasis in math. Following Wilkey’s graduation he and his wife, Phyllis, taught in the Salina area for seven years. They then returned to the family farm in Sterling where they continue to farm with their son, Tanner.

Wilkey is now owner and part-owner of Sunflower Cattle Company and the Clark County Feed Yard, respectively. He attends Sterling Reformed Presbyterian Church where he serves as a teacher and an elder. He is a current Sterling College Board of Trustees member, having served on the Board since 2009.
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest alumni honor presented. It honors and recognizes a lifetime of service that exemplifies the purposes for which Sterling College exists—exceptional contributions to society, distinguished professional accomplishment and outstanding leadership and character. The recipient or recipients are chosen by vote of the Alumni Council and Sterling College’s Board of Trustees.