Chennell, Norma Jean (McDermed)

Chennell, Norma Jean (McDermed) w/Howard Russell, Jr.

Norma Jean McDermed Chennell of Fairway, Kansas passed away at Brookdale Rosehill in Shawnee, Kansas on July 18, 2020 at the age of 91. She was the daughter of James Henry McDermed and Lois Leoda Cook. Norma Jean was raised in Lyons, Kansas. She graduated from Lyons High School and attended Emporia State Teacher’s College in Emporia, Kansas and was a member of the Tri Sigma women’s sorority. Norma Jean and husband, Howard, moved to Kansas City where Howard was employed by the Kansas City Star/Times as a news editor. Norma Jean worked as a legal secretary, as a public relations manager for the American Royal and spent many years traveling the U.S. as a market research interviewer. She was a member of Colonial Church in Prairie Village and of the KU Med Center Auxiliary. Norma Jean took an interest in everyone she met, was an avid card player, gambler, and investor. Norma Jean is predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Howard Chennell. She is survived by her children, H.R. (Sheila) Chennell of Evergreen, CO, Grahame (Khris) Chennell of Palatka, FL, Elizabeth (Hank) Brewer of Ringling, MT and Emily Taylor (Neil Quimby) of Richmond, VA and grandchildren, Luke Chennell, Grahame L. Chennell, Chennell Berg, Olivia Taylor, Zach Quimby and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for the fall at Colonial Church in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Published in Kansas City Star on Aug. 9, 2020.

Kirchoff, Vicki Gene

Kirchoff, Vicki Gene d/Robert Eugene & Treva Colleen (Bartow)

Official Obituary of

Vicky Kirchoff

October 11, 1960 ~ January 24, 2026 65 Years Old

Vicky Gene Kirchoff, 65, officially got her angel wings on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Heaven gained one of the good ones, and we’re pretty sure she’s already organizing things up there and making sure everyone’s behaving.

Vicky made her grand entrance into the world on October 11, 1960, born to Robert and Colleen Kirchoff in Lyons, Kansas. She proudly held the title of baby sister to Kenda and big sister to Rick.

A lifelong resident of Sterling, Vicky graduated from Sterling High School in 1978 and later began what would become a legendary career at Sterling College in 1992. For 34 years, she left her mark on countless students and staff with her kindness, dedication, and willingness to help anyone who crossed her path. “Swords Up!” wasn’t just a motto, it was a way of life for Vicky.

Vicky’s heart belonged first to her family, especially her beloved great-nephews. A very close second was the Sterling College Warriors and the Kansas Jayhawks. If you knew Vicky, you knew she was the first to show up, the first to help, and the last to expect anything in return.

She is survived by her loyal sidekick, her Golden Retriever, Kimber; her sister, Kenda Clayton of Sterling; nieces, Barbie Booker of Chase, Cagney Clayton (James Morgan) of Milton, Florida, Chelsea Clayton of Lyons, Kylee Mies (Rob) of Wichita, and Erin Beach (Miles) of Fredonia; nephew, Jordan Clayton of Wichita; a whole crew of great-nephews and great-nieces; and her Sterling College family.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, who were certainly waiting at the gates to welcome her home with open arms and probably a lot of laughter.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held in Sterling this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Birzer Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses, a headstone, and other related costs.

Stromberg, Wallace McCommon ‘Mac’

Stromberg, Wallace McCammom ‘Mac’

Wallace McCammon “Mac” Stromberg

August 11, 1942 ~ January 1, 2026 (age 83)

Wallace “Mac” McCammon Stromberg closed the book on the final chapter of his life on New Year’s Day, 2026.

Mac was born August 11th, 1942, in West Point, New York, to Major General Woodrow Wilson Stromberg and Julia Marie (McCammon) Stromberg. After moving to his grandmother’s hometown of Wichita, KS, Mac’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early. At just six years old, he sold donuts door-to-door to buy the latest Kid Colt comic books. He attended Wichita East High School until a “small misunderstanding” with a vice principal (because “nobody calls Mac Stromberg a liar”) led to an immediate transfer to Missouri Military Academy, where he graduated in 1960.

Mac attended Lawrence College, Wichita State, and the University of Oklahoma before enlisting in the US Army ahead of the draft for the Vietnam War. He served two tours in 1969 and 1971: first as a Second Lieutenant in the 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment (attached to the Vietnamese Airborne), and later as Company Commander of Higher Headquarters Company, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). After declining a third invitation to Vietnam, Mac began working alongside his stepfather at United Industries Incorporated in Wichita. On a business trip to California in 1981, Mac met the love of his life, Jill, and courted her back to Wichita, where they were married in 1983. In 1992, as president and owner, Mac relocated both the business and his family to Sterling, Kansas, where United Industries has designed, manufactured, and sold filtration systems for municipal swimming pools, water parks, hospitals, skyscrapers, and industrial cooling towers worldwide.

One of Mac’s greatest joys was serving his community. He sat on the boards of the Wichita YMCA, the vestries of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Lyons and St. James Episcopal Church in Wichita, the Sterling Carnegie Library, and Senator Jerry Moran’s Service Academy Selection Committee. Mac was a tireless champion of all things Sterling, never missing an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July, an opportunity to serve as the unofficial town greeter for new residents, or a chance to “shoot the breeze” with anyone who would lend an ear. He also never saw a classic car he didn’t admire, a big dog he didn’t love, or a book on history he didn’t want to read. Above all, he remained devoted, steadfast, and immensely proud of his family.

Mac is preceded in death by his parents Woodrow and Jacqueline Stromberg and Marie and Russel Beattie; as well as his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Richard Ewy. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Jill; his 3 sons, Wallace (Kiley) of Weston, MO; Richard of Sterling, KS; and Joseph (Mackenzie) of Los Angeles, CA; and his grandchildren, Mac and Winston.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 23rd, from 5-7 pm at Birzer Funeral Home in Sterling. A funeral service will take place at the United Methodist Church in Sterling at 1 pm on Saturday, January 24th, followed by a graveside service at Sterling Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that monetary donations be made to the Sterling Free Public Library.

Salazar, Milissa LynAnn ‘Missy’

Milissa ‘Missy’ LynAnn Salazar

February 7, 1974 – December 25, 2025

Milissa LynAnn “Missy” Salazar, 51, died December 25, 2025, at Salina Regional Health Center. She was born February 7, 1974, in Omaha, NE, to William “Alan” and Colleen Catherine (Gaughan) Yowell.

Missy attended Bryan High School in Omaha, NE graduating in 1992. She went on to attend Sterling College, where she graduated in 1997. She dedicated over 25 years of her life to education as a special education teacher at Fairfield High School, where she made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues. She attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Lyons, and Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson. Missy enjoyed walking her dogs, hiking, and reading in her free time. To know Missy was to love her. She was known for her big and caring heart and the love she had for her family.

Missy was truly a woman who gave more than she received, and she will be sorely missed. Her legacy of devotion and kindness and giving of self will not be soon forgotten. She deeply loved her family and students. Above all, she loved her three sons, who were the center of her life.

Missy is survived by: her sons, Cody (Sasha) Salazar, Josh (Nicole) Salazar, Noah (Akyra) Salazar; a grandson on the way; ex-husband, Luis Salazar; sisters, Rebecca (Mitch) Holste of Messina, IA, Christina (Mike) Brown of Papillion, NE; brother, David Yowell of Olathe, KS; special friends, Jennifer Surface, Valorie Garcia and Rikki Schleimer; dogs, Maverick, Zailee, and Nala; cats, Pepper and Shadow; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and her students at Fairfield High School.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; dog, Ringo; and cat, Xena.

Parish Rosary will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Private family burial will follow in Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Friends may sign her book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting Monday, January 5 until the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Milissa L. Salazar Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Milissa L. Salazar Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.

Higgins, Jason Daniel

Higgins, Jason Daniel h/Annuli (Brann)

Jason Daniel Higgins

January 3, 1975 ~ December 22, 2025 (age 50)

Jason Higgins Obituary

Jason Daniel Higgins, 50, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 22, 2025, at his home. He was born January 3, 1975, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Phillip Dean and Kathleen Nora (Welch) Higgins. Jason has resided in Sterling since June of 2014, formerly of Wichita. He graduated from Northeast Magnet High School, Wichita, with the class of 1994. Jason received his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1999 and his Master of Professional Accounting degree in 2002 from Wichita State University. He worked at Morrow & Company CPA’s as a staff accountant and manager from June 1998 until 2008, tax specialist at Learjet from June 2008 until 2021, and was currently employed at Adams Brown CPA since 2021. Jason was also an adjunct professor at Friends University in 2011 and 2012. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America in Wichita and was a soccer coach for the Wichita YMCA. Jason helped decorate the Sterling First United Methodist Church for Vacation Bible School and helped with the church youth mission trips. He loved the outdoors, kayaking, and camping, where they tent camped at various national and state parks. Jason enjoyed collecting baseball cards, reading murder mysteries, and listening to audio books. He enjoyed building projects and was currently working on a mancave prior to his passing. On September 22, 2007, Jason was united in marriage with Annuli Brann in Wichita, Kansas. Jason is survived by his wife, Annuli Higgins of Sterling, KS; three children, Brayden Higgins (Shaylin Carmichael) of Sterling, KS, Alexander Brasher (Rebekah) of Sterling, KS, Zain Kateley (Surene Maxwell) of Sterling, KS; mother, Kathleen Higgins of Sterling, KS; brother, Brian Higgins of Andover, KS; sister, Jennifer Westerman (Aaron) of Solomon, KS; mother and father-in-law, Celia and Danny Blair of Wichita, KS; Father in-law, Durward Brann of Wichita, KS; two brothers-in-law, Blake Brann of Bentley, KS, and Eoin Blair of Wichita, KS; sister-in-law, Elicia Brann of Wichita, KS; three nephews; and one niece. Jason is preceded in death by his father, Phillip Higgins; grandparents, Finis Marion Higgins, Kathrine Yvonne (Conway) Higgins, Paul J. Welch Jr., and Louise (Taylor) Welch. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 9, 2026, 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 (for youth group mission trips) or Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Caywood, Barbara Jean (Phillips)

Caywood, Barbara Jean (Phillips) w/Donald Kent ‘Don’

Barbara Caywood

Barbara’s Obituary

Barbara Jean (Philips) Caywood, 78, of Hutchinson, passed away December 27, 2025, at The Arbors in Hutchinson. She was born April 9, 1947, in Spokane, WA, the daughter of William and Eloise (Gibson) Philips.Barbara graduated from Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1965, received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sterling College in 1970 and her Masters of Education from Wichita State University in 1999. The daughter of Presbyterian missionaries, Barbara grew up in Africa before becoming a lifelong Sterling resident after college. She spent her working life pouring into children and teaching elementary school. Barbara taught Kindergarten through 5th grade at different times in both the Sterling and Haven school districts. She retired from teaching in 2009. Barbara was a member of Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson.On August 22, 1969, Barbara was united in marriage to Donald Caywood in Fort Morgan, CO. They were married for 49 years before his passing on December 7, 2017.Survivors include: her two sons, Scott and Kristen Caywood of Hutchinson, Brad and Janell Caywood of Parker, CO; ex-daughter-in-law, Brandi Caywood of Hutchinson; brother, Will and Victoria Philips of Greeley, CO; sister, Margaret Cheasebro of Farmington, NM; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her parents.

Funeral service will be 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Fireside Chapel at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33rd Ave., Hutchinson, with Pastor Bart Horton officiating. Burial will follow in Sterling Community Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or Hospice & Home Care of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Small, Delma Mae

Small, Delma Mae daughter of Leroy Ernest and Lola Louise McGurie Small

Delma Small Obituary

Delma Mae Small, 84, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 13, 2025, at the Sterling Village. She was born September 15, 1941, in Lyons, Kansas, the daughter of Leroy Ernest “Shorty” and Lola Louise (McGurie) Small. Delma was a lifelong Rice County resident. She graduated from Alden High School, Alden, Kansas, with the class of 1959. Delma attended Emporia State University and Fort Hays State University. In 1963, Delma received her Bachelor of Education degree from Sterling College. Delma taught high school home economics for eighteen years in Claflin and Monument, Kansas. She also worked at Sterling College Cafeteria making twenty-six pies each morning. Delma was a member of the Alden United Methodist Church, Silver Threads, Jr. Leaders 4-H, past president for eight years for the Walnut 4-H Club, and resident council president at Sterling Village for many years. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and was an avid bingo player. Delma is survived by her sister, Iola Small of Lawrence, KS. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Norman Eugene Small; and infant sister, Kay Louise Small. Graveside service will be held at a later date at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Memorials may be given to the Alden United Methodist Church for the Ministerial Program in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

A reception and remembrances will be at 1:30 P.M., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Sterling Village Chapel, with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Graveside service at 2:30 P.M. at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Memorials may be given to the Alden United Methodist Church for the Ministerial Program in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Guild, Randy E.

Guild, Randy E. h/Merry Elizabeth(Rouse)

Randy E Guild

November 11, 1948 ~ November 27, 2025 (age 77)

Randy E. Guild Obituary

Randy E. Guild, 77, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away November 27, 2025, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born November 11, 1948, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Edward Walker and Iris S. (McCullough) Guild. Randy made Lyons his home for the past twenty-five years, having previously lived in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Emporia High School, with the class of 1967, and attended Emporia State University. Randy served in the United States Navy, during the Vietnam War, from July 24, 1967 until his honorable discharge on January 5, 1971 attaining the rank of Petty Officer. He worked for the United States Defense Department as a project manager. Randy was a member of the Sterling American Legion Post #128, Legion Riders, Patriot Guard, ROMEO Riders (Retired Old Motorcyclists Eating Out), Liars Fishing Club, and the Rice County Sportsman Club. He was a car enthusiast, enjoyed restoring cars, classic cars, guns and was an avid Denver Broncos and Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Randy was known as the “King” of the Dairy Queen Morning Coffee Group. Randy’s humor was one of his greatest gifts. He loved to joke, “In my spare time, I’m lighting candles at the church,” proudly reminding everyone he was on his best behavior and never had time to be a hoodlum. In 1968, Randy was united in marriage with Merry Rouse in Emporia. Randy is survived by his wife, Merry Guild of Lyons, KS; son, Stormy Guild of El Dorado, KS; daughter, Danette Guild-Dixon of Lyons, KS; brother, Eddie Guild of IA; three grandchildren, Dallas Dixon (Jace Armstrong) of Nashville, TN, Randall Wallentine of Topeka, KS, and Merranda Dixon-Phillips of Lyons, KS; and one great-grandchild, Wren Armstrong. Randy is preceded in death by his father, Edward Guild; mother, Iris Mashaw; and three brothers, Terry Guild, Greg Guild, and Cary Guild. A private family service will be held with military honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Heart Association in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Oakley, Jr., Lloyd Ennis

03/08/1954-06/28/2001 Age 47

Lot: 1095 E Crems

Burial Date: 11/12/2025

Lloyd Ennis Oakley was born on March 8, 1954, in Hutchinson, Kansas, his father, Ennis, was 31 and his mother, Mary, was 31. He married LaDonna Carol Long and they had one son together. He also had one son, John Ruf, from another relationship. He died on June 28, 2001, in San Jose, California, at the age of 47.

Lloyd Ennis Oakley married LaDonna Carol Long in Hutchinson, Kansas, on June 1, 1974, when he was 20 years old. Lloyd and LaDonna met while they were both attending Hutchinson Community Junior College. 1973-1974 time period. They later divorced.

Lloyd received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ft. Hays State University, 1976

His former, wife LaDonna Carol had other marriages and passed away on January 12, 1999, in Kingman, Kansas, at the age of 44.

Lloyd Ennis Oakley died on June 28, 2001, in San Jose, California, when he was 47 years old. His sister, Trish Oakley, provided for his memorial stone and later the burial of his cremains, on November12, 2025.

McMickle, James William

August 5, 1967~November 24, 2013 (46)

James William McMickle, 46, died Nov. 24, 2013, at his home. He was born Aug. 5, 1967, in Newark, N.J., to Richard McMickle, Sr. and Donna Spiak.

He is survived by his mother, Donna Bradford and husband, Scott, Hutchinson; twin brother, Richard McMickle Jr., Franklin, Ind; brother, Dr. George McMickle, Las Vegas, Nev.; sister, MaryEllen McMickle, Montclair, N.J.; stepbrothers, Josh Bradford, Toledo, Ohio, and Luke Bradford, Lawrence; stepsister, Holly Cooprider, Hutchinson; grandparents, Marion and Donna Bradford, Weatherford, Okla.; nieces, Jessica Patterson, Chase, LeAnna Patterson, Hutchinson, and Amber Stine, Strong City; and a nephew, Dillon Stine, Strong City. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard McMickle Sr.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date.

McMickle, MaryEllen

MaryEllen McMickle

October 5, 1966 ~ April 16, 2025 (age 58)

MaryEllen McMickle, 58, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away April 16, 2025, at her home. She was born October 5, 1966, in East Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of Richard McMickle Sr. and Donna Spiak. MaryEllen has resided in Lyons since, formerly of Sterling, Kansas. She attended Sterling High School. MaryEllen enjoyed reading, cooking and listening to music. She is survived by her partner, Alan Prebble of Lyons, KS; mother, Donna Bradford and husband Scott of Hutchinson, KS; son, Dillon Stine of Strong City, KS; three daughters, Jessica Whittier and husband Dale of Sterling, KS, Amber Stine of Strong City, KS, and LeAnna Patterson of Hutchinson, KS; two brothers, twin brother Dr. George McMickle of Las Vegas, NV, and Richard McMickle Jr of Franklin, IN; two stepbrothers, Josh Bradford of Toledo, OH and Luke Bradford of Lawrence, KS; stepsister, Holly Cooprider of Hutchinson, KS; grandparents, Marion and Donna Bradford; and eight grandchildren. MaryEllen is preceded in death by her father, Richard McMickle Sr.; and brother, James McMickle. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made out to Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Palfenier, Carl Herman

Palfenier, Rev. Carl Herman husband of Carol Joyce(Riner)

05/28/1934-10/17/2025 (91)

Carl H. Palfenier obituary, Libertyville, IL

05/28/1937-10/17/2025

Carl Herman Palfenier died peacefully on October 17th, 2025 at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family who were there to witness his final, purposeful, steps toward heaven – his faith unwavering, his legacy secure.

Born in Reedsburg, Wisconsin on May 28th, 1934, Carl was the son of a preacher, and his early life, from North Freedom to Steamboat Rock, from Philadelphia to Manitowoc, was a tapestry of moves that stitched character into the boy who would become a man of deep conviction and gentle wisdom. Carl’s journey led him to Sterling College in Kansas, where he earned a BA in Psychology and discovered his lifelong loves: the ministry and Carol Riner—the woman who would become his wife of 67 years. He then received his Bachelor of Divinity at North American Baptist Seminary and later worked toward a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University.

Carl built a life rooted in the service of ministry and of mental health. He was the pastor at East Side Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois from 1961-1966. Then in Park Forest, Illinois, he had a long and varied psychology career from 1969-1999. Most of his career was spent at Tinley Park Mental Health Center as a Staff Psychologist, Unit Administrator and Mental Health Specialist Coordinator. He rounded out his career at Elgin Mental Health Center in his final work years. Carl also filled in as interim and substitute pastor at First Baptist Church in Park Forest, where he lived and worshipped for over four decades.

But Carl’s true sanctuary was his family. Whether casting lines from a fishing boat, cheering from the bleachers (and occasionally heckling referees), or officiating his children’s weddings, he was present—heart and soul. He always had time for a heart to heart talk. His hobbies included photography and woodworking. He was a true craftsman of heirloom furniture and whimsical toys for his grandchildren, and a photographer who saw the beauty in the trees.

In his later years, Carl and Carol moved to Libertyville, Illinois, to be closer to family. Carl led the men’s bible study at Green Oaks Senior Living, continuing to minister to the extent of his abilities until his final days, demonstrating a love for God that was an example for all to see. “Once I can no longer be a minister of God’s word, my time here on earth will be done.”, he said. And so it was.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Carol (Riner) Palfenier, his children; Catherine (Matt) Hagele, Cherie Jacobs, Jonathan (Rebecca) Palfenier, his grandchildren; Zachary (Clair) Palfenier, Marshall (Carina) Palfenier, Gabrielle (Nathan) Brown, William Hagele, Tabitha Palfenier, Evan Palfenier, Morgan Flood, Eleanor Jacobs, and daughter in law, Arlene Palfenier. He was preceded in death by many, including his parents, in-laws and siblings, and most notably, his eldest son, David Palfenier, who undoubtedly was waiting with open arms to welcome him home.

We will miss his steadfast faith, his musical ear, his artist’s eye, his homemade Christmas stollen, his woodworking wonders, and his keen knowledge of human behavior. But most of all, we will miss his heart – a heart that beat for God and for family. His life was rich and full in Christ and in family and he was grateful for it.

A private burial will be held in Sterling, Kansas on October 28th, 2025, and a public Celebration of Life service will be held on November 15th, 2025 at 1:00pm at Green Oaks Senior Living in Libertyville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for Village Creek Bible Camp or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Funeral arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel (847) 362-2626

Burial Date: 10/28/2025

Childs, Wanda Joyce (Harmon)

Childs, Wanda Joyce (Harmon) wife of Steven Childs

Burial Date:10/29/2025 Lot: 1258 B

Wanda Joyce Childs, 75, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away October 21, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born March 15, 1950, in Springfield, Colorado, the daughter of Ned and Reba (Thompson) Harmon. Wanda has resided in Sterling for the past fifty-five years, formerly of Haviland, Kansas. She graduated from Haviland High School, with the class of 1968. Wanda attended Friends University for one year and graduated from Sterling College. She worked for Randy Henry as a legal secretary for many years, retiring in 2016. Wanda was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sterling Chamber Board, where she served as secretary. She enjoyed spending time by the pool and hosting pool parties, gardening, attending her grandchildren’s activities, and most of all spending time with her family. On June 30, 1973, Wanda was united in marriage with Steven Childs in Haviland, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 6, 2017. Wanda is also preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Earl Harmon. Wanda is survived by her son, Andrew Childs of Wichita, KS; daughter, Christi Gilmore and husband Josh of Sterling, KS; brother, Dean Harmon and wife Becky of Sterling, KS; three sisters, Maxine Cook and husband Gaylord) of Hutchinson, KS, Vivian Thompson and husband Dan of Gardner, KS, Sheila Clark of Wichita, KS; brother-in-law, Stan Childs and wife Celine of Bel Aire, MD; sister-in-law, Cindy Fisher of Sterling, KS; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A graveside service will be at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Sterling Community Cemetery, with Pastor Michael Gray officiating.

Obituary for Wanda Joyce (Harmon) Childs | Birzer Funeral Homes

Fabin, DeeAnn Carroll (Porter)

Fabin, DeeAnn Carroll (Porter) wife of Michel ‘Mike’

January 24, 1943-October 21, 2025 (82)

DeeAnn Fabin

DeeAnn Carroll Fabin, 82, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away October 21, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas. She was born January 24, 1943, in Sterling, the daughter of Harry Floyd and Arlene Eva (Beardslee) Porter. DeeAnn was a lifelong Sterling resident. She graduated from Sterling High School and later received her registered nursing degree (RN) from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Wichita. DeeAnn worked as an RN at the Sterling Hospital and Sterling School district. She was the director of nursing at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling, and a nurse at Bob Johnson’s Youth Shelter in Hutchinson, retiring in 2006. DeeAnn was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. She enjoyed reading and playing cards and dominos with her friends. On October 17, 1964, DeeAnn was united in marriage with Mike Fabin in Lyons, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 21, 2016. She is also preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Kaye Kilgore. DeeAnn is survived by her two children, Laura Yoder and husband Jay of Hutchinson, KS, and Drew Fabin and wife Kara of Lawrence, KS; three grandchildren, Zach Fabin and wife Alayne, Emily Ewing and husband Luis, and Adam Yoder; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Bennett. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, October 27, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Warren, Georgeann Lenora (Manwarren) Mears

Georgeann Lenora (Manwarren) Warren

January 30, 1958 ~ October 13, 2025 (age 67)

Georgeann Warren Obituary

Georgeann Lenora Warren, 67, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away October 13, 2025, at her home. She was born January 30, 1958, in Sterling, Kansas, the daughter of George W. and Mona Jean (Koblitz) Manwarren. Georgeann was a near lifelong Nickerson, Kansas, resident. She graduated from Nickerson High School, with the class of 1976, and attended Hutchinson Community College. Georgeann owned and operated Leather Unlimited in Hutchinson. She was a foster parent, paraprofessional at Nickerson High School and drove a bus for Nickerson USD 309. Georgeann also worked with disabled adults at Ark of the Ozark in Springfield, Missouri. On January 19, 1976, Georgeann was united in marriage with Sidney Mears in Nickerson. They were married for twenty-nine years, later divorcing. She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Nickerson, where she led a youth group, and taught puppetry. Georgeann enjoyed collecting antiques, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren and family. Georgeann is survived by her two daughters, Tami Mears and Dr. Tania Reavis and husband Dr. Eric all of Greenfield, MO; three brothers, Larry Manwarren of Mrytle Beach, SC, Bobby Manwarren of San Antonio, TX, and Curtis Manwarren and wife Amanda of Midland, GA; four sisters, Mona Mason of Sterling, KS, Paula Royer and husband Jack of Alden, KS, Nancy Campa and husband Roger of Newton, KS, and Linda Birney and husband David of Nickerson, KS; two grandchildren, Tanner Reavis and Gunner Reavis both of Greenfield, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Georgeann is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donnie Manwarren; infant sister, Dorthea Jane Manwarren; and the love of her life, Sidney Mears. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 17, 2025, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling with Pastor Michael Gray officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Sidney and Georgeann Mears Scholarship Fund at Nickerson High School in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

At a point in her life, Georgeann had her last name changed officially to Warren.