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.

Williams, Darrell Eugene             h/?         son/Rev. Howard Lessley  and Ada Ida(Goudy) Williams,Brother of Marvin Leslie Williams

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Burial Date:    Ashes reported scattered on Lot 583 1/4  A/C,   on the gravesites of his mother, Ada I(Goudy)Williams, his brother Marvin Leslie Williams and Thelma Jane(Hurd)Stoll Williams.

Chandler, Audrey Maxine (Bourgain)         w/Edward McKee Chandler

Death Date: 1995, 10/30    Age: 74     Lot: 912 F

Not buried here.  Marker only

Dyke, Charles Marion ‘Charlie’

son of Homer Linden and Flora Ophelia(Howard) Dyke

Burial Date:  2019,   06/03        Age:  78       Lot: 733 G Crems

Charles Marion “Charlie” Dyke, 78, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away May 16, 2019 at Select Specialty St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas. He was born February 21, 1941 in Sterling, the son of Homer Linden and Flora Ophelia Howard Dyke. He graduated from Sterling High School. Charlie was a lifelong Sterling resident. He worked as an installer for Sterling Appliance, and for Sterling Softwater, retiring in 2011. Charlie was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, and member of Find a Grave. He is survived by his relatives, Elsie Cantwell of Wichita, KS, Clara Hensley of Lyons, Steven T. Duntz, Megan Duntz, Brandon K. Duntz, and Nicholas L. Duntz; and close friend, Gregory Glass. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Dyke. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Charles has made a great contribution to the Sterling Community Cemetery by adding pictures of grave stones to the Find A Grave website  –  findagrave.com

Charles Marion “Charlie” Dyke, 78, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away May 16, 2019 at Select Specialty St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas. He was born February 21, 1941 in Sterling, the son of Homer Linden and Flora Ophelia Howard Dyke. He graduated from Sterling High School. Charlie was a lifelong Sterling resident. He worked as an installer for Sterling Appliance, and for Sterling Softwater, retiring in 2011. Charlie was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling, and member of Find a Grave. He is survived by his relatives, Elsie Cantwell of Wichita, KS, Clara Hensley of Lyons, Steven T. Duntz, Megan Duntz, Brandon K. Duntz, and Nicholas L. Duntz; and close friend, Gregory Glass. Graveside service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling with Pastor Melissa Krabbe officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling

Newman, Robert Martin                             h/Mary Janis(Holwick)

Burial Date:  1986,  01/13        Age: 57            Lot: 745 E Crems

War: Korean       U.S. Navy fighter pilot    

Robert’s cremains will be buried in the Sterling, KS Community Cemetery where Robert and Janis’ youngest daughter Mary Roberta Newman, having died at birth, is buried.

Rauh, Jr.,  Clarence                husband of Marilyn Lee(Hunt)

Burial Date:  2019,  04/29           Age: 91          Lot: 134 D

Clarence Rauh Jr., 91, of Sterling, passed away April 25, 2019 at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born March 21, 1928 in Hitchcock, Oklahoma, the son of Clarence Sr. and Thelma (Rice) Rauh. Clarence has resided in Hutchinson for the past four years, formerly a life-time Sterling resident. He was a retired custom home builder and custom wheat harvester. On May 22, 1949, Clarence was united in marriage with Marilyn Lee Hunt in Rolla, Kansas. She preceded him in death on July 11, 2012. He is also preceded in death by his parents; son, Eric E. Rauh; brother, Melvin Rauh; sister, Louella “Jean” Renfrow; and two great-grandsons, Parker Pennington and Asher Boese. Clarence is survived by his son, Michael Rauh and wife Marge of Loveland, CO; three daughters, Rose Mountain and husband Terry of Hutchinson, KS, Teresa Ryan and husband Jim of Overland Park, KS, and Kim Reiter and husband Steve of Overland Park, KS; eleven grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling; and Monday, April 29, 2019 from 9:30 A.M. until service time with family present. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Monday, April 29, 2019 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Pastor Tim Cox officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, Hutchinson; National Kidney Foundation; American Legion, Post 24, McPherson, KS; or Donor’s Choice in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Amend, Janet Gladys(Arell)                       w/Rex Gene Amend

Date:  2019,  04/26            Age: 84                Lot:  402 1/2 A

Finnin, Vera Fern (Elliott)            Wife of Guiles W ‘Pete’ Finnin

Burial Date: 2019,  04/08              Age: 99                Lot:  629 F

Vera Fern Elliott Finnin, 99, of Lyons, passed away April 2, 2019, at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling. She was born April 26, 1919, in Sterling, Kansas, the daughter of Forrest and Annabelle Darnell Elliott. She graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1937. Vera has resided in Lyons since 1976, formerly of Burbank, California. She was a homemaker. Vera was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Sterling. On September 20, 1941, Vera was united in marriage with G.W. “Pete” Finnin in Burbank, California. He preceded her in death on September 10, 1999. She is also preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a nephew, Mike Finnin of Dubuque, IA; and niece, Mary Cooper of Topeka. Graveside service will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 8, 2019, at Sterling Community Cemetery with Rev. Robert Friesen officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 until 1:00 P.M., Monday, April 8, 2019, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. Memorials may be given to Presbyterian Manor, Sterling, or District Hospital #1 of Rice County, Lyons, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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.