Johnston, Norma May (Dymond)            2nd wife of George ‘Ralph’ Johnston

Burial Date:  2019,  03/27               Age: 93              Lot: 978 F  Crems

Norma May (Dymond) Johnston

February 22, 1926 ~ March 24, 2019 (age 93)

Norma May Johnston, 93, of Sterling, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Hospice House in Hutchinson Kansas. She was born on February 22, 1926. She was a lifelong resident of Sterling. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 26 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. A service remembering Norma will take place directly following visitation at 7:00 pm at the Funeral Home lead by Pastor Amy Foster of the Sterling United Methodist Church. Memorials may be sent in honor of Norma to the Veterans War Memorial, the Sterling Public Library or the Sterling United Methodist Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home.

Smith, Jean Gail (King)                                         wife of Lewis McCay Smith

Burial Date:  2019,  03/23            Age: 74               Lot:  1244 B  Crems

 Jean Gail (King) Smith

October 17, 1944 ~ March 20, 2019 (age 74)

Jean Gail Smith, 74, of Lyons, passed away March 20, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society, Lyons. She was born October 17, 1944, in Yakama, WA, the daughter of Augustus and Dorthea Besinger King. Jean attended Sterling Schools. She has resided in Lyons since 2002, formerly of Hutchinson. Jean was a florist for Dillions in Liberal, KS. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church, Sterling and the Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson. On February 6, 1960, Jean was united in marriage with Lewis McCay Smith in Lyons. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her four sons, Lewis M. Smith Jr. and wife Ramona of Sylvis, IL, Kenneth A. Smith of Radcliff, KY, Jeffrey C. Smith of Harrisburg, PA, and Kelly L. Smith of Lawrence, KS; daughter, Shelly M. Smith of Hutchinson, KS; sister, Vi Housel of Flint, MI; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Ela Smith; brother, Joe King; and sister Betty Dean. Graveside funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Saturday, March 23, 2019, at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Good Samaritan Society, Lyons in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Bray, John  Richard ‘Jack’                      husband of Nettie E(Trost)

Burial Date: 2019,  03/23          Age: 84                Lot: 794 G

War: Cold War           US Army    

John Richard “Jack” Bray

January 20, 1935 ~ March 19, 2019 (age 84)

John Richard “Jack” Bray, 84, of Sterling, passed away March 19, 2019, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born on January 20, 1935, on a farm near Belleville, Kansas, the second child of Richard and Dora Saip Bray. Jack graduated from Belleville High School with the class of 1952. He served in the United States Army from January 1957 until October 1958, and in the Army Reserves until January 1963. Mid-year 1959, Jack met Nettie Trost. They dated at the skating rink and married on September 26, 1959. Jack often teased, “And no one thought it would last!” He truly lived out his commitment to the love of his life when she suffered a major stroke in 1979. His devotion never wavered and his selfless care for his bride endured to the end and was an inspiration to many. In addition to caring for the love of his life; Jack enjoyed camping, going to the lake, trips to the casino, and snooker nights. Jack owned and/or managed service stations most of his working career. He managed stations in rural Manhattan and Fowler, Kansas; and then purchased Superbe Oil Company in Sterling in 1968. Following Nettie’s stroke, he carried mail on a rural route for a few years. He then became manager of the Sterling Co-op service station offering the excellent customer service he was known for, retiring from the Co-op in 2000. In support of the community, Jack served on the USD 376 School Board during his children’s school years for 12 years; served as a Rice County Commissioner following his retirement for 12 years; He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, where he served on various boards; past board member of Sterling Recreation Commission; past board member of Wheat Belt Girl Scouts Council; and member of Moose Lodge #982 of Hutchinson for many years. Jack is survived by his wife, Nettie Bray of the home; children, Cindy Wittich and husband Darryl of Mt. Hope, KS, Wendy Fiehler and husband Steve of Sterling, KS, and Jeff Bray and wife Kristen of Penn Yan, NY; sister, Kathy Begnoche and husband Gene of Downs, KS; brothers-in-law, Leo Ninemire of Concordia, KS and Richard Van Wey of Willard, MO; grandchildren, Stephanie Edgington and husband Robert, Wesley Wittich and wife Courtney, Chance Fiehler and wife Sarah, Jacob Fiehler and wife Dakoda, Kodi Fiehler and (Evan Barber), Tyler Bray and Kelly Bray; great-grandchildren, Graysen and Eliora Edgington, Nina and Nicholai Wittich, Harper and Stella Fiehler, Trip, Vann and Addy Fiehler, and great-grandchild is expected in July. He is preceded by his parents; siblings, Donald Bray, Mary Lou Ninemire, Gene Bray, Debra Van Wey, and infant brothers, Larry Kent Bray. Funeral service will be at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, March 23, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 22, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Sterling Presbyterian Manor-Employee Appreciation Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Anna May (Manwarren)Campbell

February 18, 1932 ~ March 9, 2019 (age 87)

____________________________________________________

Campbell, Anna May(Manwarren) Johnson

w/Phillip Jack Campbell;divorced w/Harold Louis Johnson,

Burial:  2019,  05/12               Age: 87                     Lot: 750 E

Anna May Johnson-Campbell, 87, of Sterling, passed away March 9, 2019, at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling. She was born on February 18, 1932, in Hutchinson, the daughter of Weldon and Vivian Crane Manwarren. Anna May was a longtime Sterling resident. She owned and operated her own restaurant in Battle Creek, MI; worked as a mixer and sewer for the Lyons Salt Plant; and was a homemaker. Anna May was a member of the First Christian Church, Lyons; Rebekah Lodge #172 of Lyons; Pythian Sisters Lodge #116; and a former Lyons VFW Ladies Auxiliary member. On January 23, 1950, Anna May was united in marriage with Harold Louis Johnson in Sterling. They later divorced. On July 12, 1988, Anna May was united in marriage with Phillip Jack Campbell in Lyons. He preceded her in death in 1992. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Weldon Duane Johnson; daughter, Beverly Lenore; two grandsons, Johnny Johnson Jr. and Gregory Scott Howard; great-great-grandson, Kyle Holladay; and brother, George Manwarren. She is survived by three sons, Johnny L. Johnson Sr. and wife Annis of Michigan, Dale Johnson of Tulsa, OK, and Clarence Johnson and wife Denise of Sterling; daughter, Penny Hartle and husband Martin of Lyons; brother, Verl Manwarren of Sterling; twenty four grandchildren; forty on great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Crosspoint Church, Sterling with Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 P.M., Monday, March 11, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present. Memorials may be given to Quimby Home with Adapt Inc. in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

 

Earle, Gale Howard                       husband of Wanda Lee (Elliott)

Burial Date: 2019,  3/15             Age: 87          Lot: 1214 G  Crems

War: Korean     U.S. Navy   

Gale Howard Earle, 87, of Sterling, passed away

March 10, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born August 7, 1931, in Sterling, Kansas, the son of Seale and Roella Magers Earle. He graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1949 and received his Associates Arts Degree from Hutchinson Community College. Gale was a lifetime Sterling resident, having moved to Hutchinson in 2013. He was a retired store manager for Westlake Hardware, working in the hardware and sporting goods departments. Gale served in the United States Navy from August 30, 1951, until July 1, 1955, during the Korean War. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sterling; Sterling American Legion Post #128; board member for the Sterling Public Library; former Sterling Chamber of Commerce president; and was involved in the Sterling Youth Softball Program. On June 18, 1960, Gale was united in marriage with Wanda Lee Elliott in Sterling. She preceded him in death on May 14, 2018. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Juanita Koblitz. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Gale Schoenfeld of Katy, TX; son, David Seale Earle and wife Sherry of Lindsborg, KS; five grandchildren, Ashley Brandes and husband Paul, Jonathan Earle, Austin Earle and wife Jessica, Grayson Schoenfeld, and Saige Schoenfeld; and three great-grandchildren, Bevyn and Owen Brandes, and Exum Earle. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Friday, March 15, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Rev. Paul Brandes officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery with military honors by the United States Navy and the Sterling American Legion. Memorials may be given to the Sterling Public Library or Hospice House in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

 

STERLING – Gale H. Earle, 87, Sterling, died March 10, 2019, in Hutchinson. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 15, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. A full obituary will be announced later by Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Rose, Edgar Allen                     son of Lynn Everett, Sr. and Blanche Rose

Burial Date: 2019,  03/01            Age: 91                  Lot:    347 F

Edgar Allen Rose, 91, of Sterling, passed away February 19, 2019, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County. He was born on November 5, 1927, in Sterling, the son of Lynn Everett and Blanche Rose. Edgar graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1945 and later received his bachelor’s degree from Sterling College. He has been a lifelong Sterling resident. Edgar was a custodian for Sterling High School from 1970, until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Sterling. Edgar enjoyed electronics, photography, making ballpoint pens, and walking. He is survived by his two brothers, Dale and Judy Rose of Sterling, and Wayne Rose of Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Veva Shirk of Redding, CA, and Lorene Schartz of Rozel, KS; and lots of nieces and nephews. Edgar was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lynn Jr. Rose. Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 1, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Sterling High School Rose Family Scholarship Fund, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Grose, Ruben Harold          husband of Viola Elnora  ‘Vi’ (Timken)

Burial :  2019, 02/02              Age: 87               Lot:  474 A  Crems

Date of Death: 2013,  08/07

War:  WWII  Purple Heart, Bronze Star    

Ashes buried together with Vi’s on Feb. 2, 2019

Ruben H. Grose

August 10, 1925 ~ August 7, 2013 (age 87)
Hutchinson Dateline
Ruben H. Grose, Age 87, precious husband, daddy, grandpa, great granddaddy, brother, and friend joined his heavenly Father on August 7, 2013, at his home in Hutchinson.

This unique baby blessed the home of Henry H. & Pauline (Schneider) Grose on Aug. 10, 1925, at Alexander, Kansas.

As a youth, his family moved to a farm northwest of Bazine, Kansas.  It was here he received his grade and high school education.

Ruben served his country in the United States Army, PFC during WWII at the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

After he returned home from overseas, Ruben married Vi Timken on Aug. 26, 1945, and 1950 they were blessed with identical twin girls.  He received his Bachelors of Science in Education and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Ft. Hays State University, plus many advanced hours from universities in Kansas, Colorado, and California. In 1974 he received the coveted Kansas Master Teacher’s award for his outstanding work with special needs youth.

Ruben is mourned by the love of his life Vi Timken Grose in their home in Hutchinson
He is survived by 1 daughter, Nellene Kenyon and husband Gary, Great Bend, KS.; 2 brothers, Marvin Grose and wife Judi, Blairsville, GA.; Alvin Grose and wife Dolores, Great Bend, KS.; 1 sister, Janice Hawkinson and husband Jon, Ness City, KS.; 3 grandchildren Derek Kenyon, Michelle Kenyon, Bennett Lowry; 2 great-grandchildren, Taylor and Emily McDuffie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Marlene Lowry, Nellene’s twin sister, 1 brother, Vaughn Grose and 1 sister, Evelyn Appel.

Memberships include United Methodist Church, Sterling; Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson; N.E.A.; K.N.E.A – Lifetime; Life Member Parent Teachers Association; Reno County Associate for Disabled Citizens. He served on many boards and committees for special needs citizens of Kansas.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at the Sterling United Methodist Church with Rev. Marvin Ewertt officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Sterling United Methodist Church, Harden Hospice or Kansas State Twinless Twins.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, KS.

Grose, Viola Elnora ‘Vi’ (Timken)       wife of Ruben Harold

Burial Date:  2019,  02/02       Age: 95        Lot: 474 A  Crems

Viola Elnora “Vi” (Timken) Grose

May 18, 1923 ~ January 18, 2019 (age 95)

Viola Elnora “Vi” Grose, 95, of Sterling, passed away January 18, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born May 18, 1923, in Bison, Kansas, the daughter of Albert and Lily Crotinger Timken. She graduated from Bazine High School with the class of 1941 and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Sterling College in 1966. Vi has resided in Hutchinson since 2008, formerly of Sterling. She taught for Sterling USD 376 starting in 1945, but later she laid out for seven years to be a full-time mother to her identical twin girls before returning to teaching and earning her degree. Vi was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sterling and Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson. On August 26, 1945, Vi was united in marriage with Ruben H. Grose in Bazine, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 7, 2013. She is also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Marlene Lowry; and four brothers, Glenn, Cecil, Perry, and Kenneth Timken. She is survived by her daughter, Nellene Kenyon and husband Gary of Great Bend, KS; and three grandchildren, Derek Kenyon, Michelle Hayworth and husband Dustin, and Bennett Lowry and wife Lauren. Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 2, 2019,  at First United Methodist Church, Sterling with Rev. Amy Foster officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Christ Pilot Me Hill, Bazine, Kansas or First United Methodist Church, Sterling in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Vi and Ruben’s ashes were buried together on Feb. 2, 2019

Foster, Allan Robert                        spouse of Douglas Cyril Tripp

Burial Date: 2018,  12/21           Age:70                Lot: 404 1/2 B

US Marine Corp              War: Vietnam      

October 21, 1948 – December 12, 2018

Foster, Allan Robert

Was freed from his earthly bonds on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Robert and Phyllis (Oden) Foster on October 21, 1948, in Sterling, Kansas. Allan worked in aviation for over 30 years and served our country as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. Allan is survived by his spouse, Doug Tripp; daughter, Tiffany Tripp; brothers, Marty (Lydia) Foster, Brian (Donna) Foster, Norman (Francie) Foster, Paul (Kerry) Foster, John (Becky) Foster and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 20 from 5 pm – 7 pm with funeral service on Friday, December 21, 12 pm, both at Affinity All Faiths Mortuary, 2850 S. Seneca St., Wichita, Kansas. A memorial has been established in his name and loving memory with the National Stroke Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604.

Hollowell, Steven Craig  Dombrowski          husband of Midori Hatsuki

son of Walter Stanley  and Grace Laray(Hollowell)Dombrowski

Burial Date:  10/13/2018            Age: 55           Lot: 907 D  Crems

Death Date: 2015,  11/17

Born 10/14/1960

Steven died at the Kansas City Hospice House & Palliative Care Home. Steven lived in several locations during his life including Kansas City, MO, Tacoma, WA, Seattle, WA, and San Francisco, CA.

He also chose to be known by several aliases including Steven C. Dombrowski, S Hollowell, Craig S Hollowell, and Steven Hollow.

Staton, Joan(Defenbaugh)                 wife of Jack Edward Staton

Burial Date:  2018,  08/24                     Age: 90           Lot: 977 E

Joan Staton, 90, of Sterling, passed away August 18, 2018, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County. She was born November 21, 1927, in Sedan, KS, the daughter of Andrew and Maude Reynolds Defenbaugh. She graduated from Coffeyville High School, Coffeyville, KS. Joan has resided in Sterling since 1991, formerly of South Hutchinson. Joan was a homemaker, and she also worked for Ben Franklin’s and Walmart in Hutchinson. On October 17, 1948, Joan was united in marriage with Jack E. Staton in Coffeyville, KS. He preceded her in death in July of 1987. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Staton; two brothers, Wayne and Cecil Defenbaugh; three sisters, Jewel Koonce, Charlotte Cummings, and Beaulah Staton. Joan is survived by her son, Patrick and Debbie Staton of Sterling; granddaughter, Susie and Shiloh Brogan of Colby, KS; and three great-grandchildren, Kiley, Lacey, and Dylan Brogan. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 24, 2018, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Pastor Ron DeVore officiating. Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., Thursday, August 23, 2018, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Foundation in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

McClellan, Patricia ‘Pat’ Alice (Neal)

divorced wife of Gene McClellan

Burial Date:  2018,  09/20                     Age: 79                             Lot: 1073 A

DAVIDSON FUNERAL HOME

Patricia Alice McClellan

June 14, 1939 – September 13, 2018

Erskine, Nedra May(Davis)            divorced wife of : William Ebenezer Erskine, Troy Dee Strickland, Darwin Delano Lockhart

Burial:  2018,  09/28                 Age: 100           Lot: 827 G    Crems

Nedra May Erskine was born on Thursday, April 11, 1918, in Sterling, Rice County, Kansas, the oldest of 2 children born to Charles Welty and Marjorie Ruth (Love) Davis. She passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018, at the Hinksons Assisted Living Center in St. Johns, Apache County, Arizona at the age of 100.

Nedra grew up and attended school in Sterling, Kansas. She received her Master’s Degree in Teaching from Emporia State in Emporia, Kansas. She began her teaching career in a 1 room school house and over the course of 40 years, she taught various grades up through high school.

Nedra was very active with the following organizations: The Rebekah’s, The Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She loved camping, cross stitching, cards, water aerobics and being involved in various choirs. She was the choir director for the Bell Choir at the Rock Shadows Resort in Apache Junction. She was a very active “Church going Lady” and was a member of the United Methodist Church.

Nedra is survived by her children, Barbara Thompson of Osawatomie, Kansas, Linda Borders of Show Low, Arizona, Chuck Erskine of Lorraine, Kansas and  Nedra Jean Meyer of South Hutchinson, Kansas; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Hazel Marie Davis.

Graveside Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 28, 2018, at the Sterling Cemetery, 500 E. Cleveland Ave, Sterling, Kansas. Memorial Contributions may be made to your choice of charity in Nedra’s name.

Hello Sherry –

 I am writing in regards to my mother, Nedra Erskine.  She taught English at Chase High School for several years. I think she retired in 1984.  She lived in Chase and eventually moved to Arizona. The Kats newsletter has been mailed to our address which is correct. Due to a health issue, she now lives in an Assisted Living and her memory is not up to par. Anyway, I just wanted to let someone know she will turn 100 on April 11th. She was going strong until one year ago and started going downhill.  My sister lives in south Hutchinson as does my husband mother.  I graduated from Sterling High in 1966, oh gosh getting old.  Thanks and take care.

Linda Borders

Reynolds, Louis Mawdsley ‘Lou’                   h/Celeste E (Garrigues)

Burial Date:  2018,  09/08          Age: 90             Lot:  746 D  Crems

War:  Cold War     

U.S. Navy

Monroe, Dale                divorced husband of Barbara J(Wolfe)

Burial Date:  2018,  08/02           Age: 77               Lot:  1042 E

War: Vietnam       US Army   

Dale Monroe, 77, of Sterling, passed away July 30, 2018, at Hospice House of Hutchinson. He was born February 23, 1941, in Sterling, Kansas, the son of Oscar B. and Georgia A. Elstun Monroe. Dale has resided in Sterling since March 31, 1979, formerly of Kaiserslautern, Germany. He retired from American Salt Company in February 2006, after 25 years of service. He served in the United States Army from November 25, 1958, until retiring March 31, 1979, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Dale served for 20 ½ years, with twelve years being in Germany and one year at the North Pole. Dale is survived by his son, Alan D. Monroe and wife Gail of Denver, CO; daughter, Erin Dorsey and husband Tom of Middletown, MO; three grandsons, Cody Mertens of KS, Collin Mertens of Middletown, MO, Connor Monroe of Denver, CO; one granddaughter, Ariel Dorsey of Perry, MO; adopted granddaughter, Madison Tucker of Middletown, MO; one great-grandson, Karter Campbell of Perry, MO; and niece, Cynthia Jones and husband Cliff of Hutchinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, James, Harold, Wesley, Leonard and Richard Monroe; and sister, Georgianna Fenwick. Graveside service will be 3:00 P.M., Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Sterling Community Cemetery with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Memorials can be made to Dale Monroe Memorial Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.