Simpson,  Dr. Thomas Charles           husband of Linda Marie(Lewick)

Burial Date:  2017,  11/03                  Age: 70                   Lot: 1071 D

War:  Vietnam     US Navy    

Dr. Thomas Charles Simpson

September 2, 1947 ~ October 30, 2017 (age 70)

Dr. Thomas C. Simpson, 70, died October 30, 2017, at the Rice County District Hospital in Lyons. He was born September 2, 1947, at Sioux City, Iowa the son of Donald Charles and Mary Jane Morgan Simpson. Tom has been a Sterling resident since 1977 where he has served as a Family Physician. He graduated from East High School in Wichita, the College of Emporia, Emporia and from KU Medical School. Tom was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling; Kansas Academy of Family Practice, Member and former Chief of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department, Sterling City Commission, Sterling College Board of Trustees, Board member and Director of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas, Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity of Rice County, Chairman of the board of Lil’ Cub Childcare; On August 23, 1969, Tom married Linda Lewick at Wichita. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his son, Mike Simpson of Sterling, daughters, Anne-Marie and Josh Friesema of Woodland Park, Colorado, Pamela Simpson of Sterling, Nancy and Brian Inwood of Sterling, brother, Jack and Wally Simpson of Wichita, sister, Jane Ellen and Bob Mark of St. Louis, Missouri, 13 Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday, November 3, 2017, at the United Presbyterian Church in Sterling with Pastor Melissa Krabbe and Scott Rich officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 until 7:00 with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home in Sterling. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Navy and the Sterling American Legion will take place at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Lil’ Cub Childcare or Lyons Hospital Hospice Room in care of Birzer Funeral Home.

Hammons, Jerry Lynn

husband of Ellie L(McGuffey)Fulton

Burial Date: 2017,  10/26          Age: 75               Lot 982 B

War: Vietnam    Lt. Col. U. S. Army   

STERLING – Jerry L. Hammons, 75, died Oct. 20, 2017, in Carmel, Indiana.
He was born March 9, 1942, in Lyons, Kansas, the son of Gene and Gladys Brose Hammons. A longtime resident of the Indianapolis area, he was a retired accountant for the U.S. government and was a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Jerry attended the United Presbyterian Church, Sterling; was a Sterling High School, University of Kansas and Kansas St. graduate; and was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War.
On Sept. 25, 1999, he married Ellie McGuffey. Other survivors include two step-sons, Joe Fulton and Steven Fulton; sister, Jalene McFadden; two aunts; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joanne Price.
Graveside services with military honors will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at the Sterling Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman, KS.

Thompson, Carolyn Frances(Becker)        wife of Vaughn LeRoy

Burial Date: 2017,  10/20            Age: 82            Lot: 1058 C

Carolyn F. Thompson
STERLING – Carolyn Frances Thompson, 82, of Sterling, passed away October 16, 2017, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 20, 1934, in Fleming, CO, the daughter of Tony and Frances Pimple Becker. She has resided in Sterling since 1979, formerly of Cambridge, Nebraska. Carolyn was a homemaker.
On April 15, 1953, Carolyn was united in marriage with Vaughn L. Thompson in Sterling, Colorado. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2009. She is also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Deanna Jo Thompson; grandson, Justin Lewis; granddaughter, Amber Newcomb; three brothers, Harold, Louie, and Richard Becker; and sister, Jeannie Lechman. She is survived by: her two sons, Kenneth Thompson of Sterling, KS, and Keith Thompson and Tammy Lackey of Sterling; four daughters, Karen Lewis of Sterling, Judy Mousel of Lincoln, NE, Dixie and Dan Ernst of Lincoln, NE, and Lois Thompson of Sterling; brother, Pete Becker of Greeley, CO; 19 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, October 20, 2017, at the United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Doug Neumann officiating. Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present 5 to 7 p.m.
Memorials can be made to the Sterling Public Library or Bear Cub Backers, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Don Earl Washmon              dh/Rhonda R(Serbin)

September 12, 1962 ~ October 7, 2017 (age 55)

Washmon, Don Earl                     divorced husband of  Rhonda R(Serbin)

son of Thomas Eugene and Linda Lee(Conley)Washmon

Burial Date:  2017,  10/11          Age: 55         Lot 992 F  Crems

Don E. Washmon, 55, died October 7, 2017, at his home in Sterling. He was born September 12, 1962, at Ft. Hood, Texas the son of Thomas E. and Linda L. Conley Washmon. Don has been a resident of Sterling since 1974 formerly of Ogden, Ft. Riley and was a former employed at the Sara Lee Company. He is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Sterling, enjoyed playing golf and was an avid Cubs fan. His survivors include his daughter, Paige R. Washmon of Wichita, his father, Thomas E. Washmon of Sterling, brother, Jeffery and Kate Washmon of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Washmon and brothers, Anthony Washmon and Thomas L. Washmon. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Sterling with Pastor Dale Jordon officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Heart Transplant, St. Luke’s Foundation, 4225 Baltimore Ave. Kansas City, Mo. 64111, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Mowrey, Marilyn Louise                           daughter of Wilbur Linton Mowrey and Violet Fernette(Paul)McCullough

Burial Date: 2017,  10/13               Age: 82                Lot: 160 B  Crems

Marilyn Louise Mowrey August 23, 1935, ~ October 5, 2017 (age 82)

Marilyn L. Mowrey, 82, of Sterling, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2017, at her residence in Sterling.  She was born August 23, 1935, in Sterling, Kansas, the daughter of Wilber Fredrick and Violet Paul Mowrey.  She graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1955.  Marilyn was a near lifelong Sterling resident.  She worked 42 years for the Sterling College in the cafeteria and as a housekeeper.  Marilyn enjoyed going fishing in her spare time.  She is survived by her niece, Suzanne; sister-in-law, Delores Mowrey of Hutchinson; and lifelong friend, Connie Green of Sterling.  Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, W. Fredrick and Maurice Mowrey.  Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 13, 2017, at Sterling Community Cemetery with Pastor Michael Gray officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Sterling Public Library in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

McNutt, Linda Sue

daughter of Ralph Burton McNutt, Sr. and Violet Ilene (Wolfe)

Burial Date: 2017,  10/09      Age: 72            Lot: 798 B

Linda Sue McNutt, 72, of Sterling, died October 6, 2017, at Hospital District 1 of Rice County, Lyons.  She was born October 31, 1944, in Lyons, the daughter of Ralph B. and Violet I. Wolfe McNutt, Sr.  She graduated from Sterling High School.  Linda was a lifetime Sterling resident.  She worked 47 years at the Farmers Coop Union in Lyons.  She participated in the Sterling Bowling League and local softball teams.  Linda is survived by her two sisters, Teri Eskandari of Phoenix, AZ, and Carole Bengston of Hutchinson; longtime friend, Carolee Porter, seven nieces and six nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Lu McNutt; Brothers, Ralph Jr., Jerry, Russell, Earl, Larry, and Tom McNutt. Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 9, 2017, at Sterling Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sterling Presbyterian Manor in care of Birzer Funeral Home of Sterling.

Massey, Gerald Dwain

2nd husband of Juanita F(Williams)Daily

divorced husband of Beulah Charylene(Hendricks)

Burial Date: 2017,  10/09              Age:86                  Lot: 946 C

Gerald D. Massey, 86, of Sterling, went home to the Lord on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.  He was a lifelong resident of the Sterling Community.  He was born December 23, 1930, on the family farm north of town.  The son of Irvin and Frenchie Massey.  Gerald was a dairy farmer, owned Massey’s Shoe Store, and the Sterling Bowling Alley.  He loved playing weekly card games with his longtime buddies. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Ken and Kevin Daily; and sister, Betty Jean Elbl.  Gerald is survived by his wife, Juanita Massey of the home; four children, Jill Broyles of Greely, CO, Craig Massey of Bristow, OK, Teresa Rife of Sterling, and Linda Nelson of Andover, KS; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, October 9, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Pastor Richard Fisher officiating.  Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling.  Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M., Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.  Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church, Nickerson or Hospice of Rice and Reno County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Duft, Jackie  Lee ‘Jack’                            husband of Shirley Jean(Galyon)

Burial Date: 2017,  10/07                    Age:  68                        Lot: 2014 D

War:  Vietnam    

Jackie ‘Jack’ Lee Duft

December 31, 1948 ~ September 29, 2017 (age 68)

Jackie Lee “Jack” Duft, 68, of Sterling, died Friday, September 29, 2017, at his residence in Sterling.  He was born December 31, 1948, in Burlington, Colorado, the son of Willard and Betty Proffitt Duft.  Jack graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 1968.  He has been a lifelong Sterling resident.  Jack was a Farm Bureau Insurance agent in Sterling for 26 years, and a part-time farmer.  He was a member of the Alden Baptist Church; Sterling American Legion; Sterling Striders; and was a loyal fan of Weber State Basketball.  Jack served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1970, attaining the rank of Sergeant.  On October 4, 1969, Jack was united in marriage with Shirley Galyon, Oct. 4, 1949, in Hutchinson.  She survives of the home.  Other survivors include his three children, Eric and Sherri Duft of Ogden, UT, Amy and Bobby Bisterfeldt of Whitewater, KS, and Ryan and Beth Duft of Hutchinson, KS; brother, Randy and Jeanne Duft of Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Sandra and Tony Wilcox of Salina, KS, and Marla and Jim Romesburg of Garden City, KS; eleven grandchildren, Jaret, Halle, Easton, Kourt, Kinley, Avery and Caden Duft, Joseph, Caleb, Laura, and Caroline Bisterfeldt.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 7, 2017, at United Presbyterian Church, Sterling with Pastor Doug Newman and Matt Hendricks officiating.  Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling with military honors by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Sterling American Legion.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, October 6, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Team Jack Pediatric Brain Cancer Research or Alden Baptist Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Kendrick, Yvonne Ima (Trammell)               wife of Thomas Edward

Burial Date: 2017,  10/04           Age: 84            Lot:  1156 F  Crems

Yvonne Kendrick

( March 24, 1933 – September 29, 2017 )

Fisher, Vicky Ann(Gruber)               Wife of Richard P. Fisher

Burial:  2017,  09/29              Age: 66        Lot: 1087 C

Miller, Taylor Paul                        son of Stacy Lynn(Miller) and  ?

Reared by grandparents:  Darlene (Hendricks)Miller Risley and  Douglas Risley.

Burial Date: 2017,  09/23               Age: 28           Lot: 860 F

Taylor Paul Miller, 28, of Sterling, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at his residence in Sterling.  He was born April 13, 1989, in Lyons, the son of Stacy Lynn Miller.  He graduated from Sterling High School with the class of 2008.  Taylor was a lifelong Sterling resident.  He was a manager at the Beauty Parlour in Sterling.  Taylor was a member of the United Methodist Church, Sterling, and Reins of Hope in Hutchinson.  Taylor is survived by his grandparents, Doug and Darleen Risley of Sterling, and Robert Miller of Great Bend; brother, Jacob Walton of Sterling; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Stacy Miller; great grandparents, Harry and Pauline Hendricks, Marion and Dorothy Miller, and Glen and Eula Risley.  Funeral service will be 1:30 P.M., Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Sterling with Rev. Jeff Miller officiating.  Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, September 22, 2017 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.  Memorials can be made to the Reins of Hope in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

 

Tombstone Sculpture

Sometimes – you see something and you feel really humbled –

The father of this child created this tombstone signifying the child was now free of his earthly burdens.

Is it not beautiful – is the father not amazing too.

***Taylor’s grandmother, Darlene, contacted the designer of this piece for permission to use it on Taylor’s memorial.

McNeil, Marilyn Ann(Heter)                                   Wife of Jay C. McNeil

Burial Date:  2017,  09/15              Age: 82              Lot:  813 A

Marilyn A. McNeil

Proffitt, Dona Joan(Koblitz)       wife of  William J . ‘Billy’ Proffitt, Sr.

Burial Date: 8/30/2017         Age: 82                Lot: 895 E

Dona Joan Proffitt, 82, of Sterling, passed away Friday, August 25, 2017, at the Mennonite Friendship Community in South Hutchinson. She is survived by her son, Billy Proffitt, Jr., and wife Terri of Hutchinson; two daughters, Amy Sloan and her significant other David McKinney of Asbury, Missouri, and Dian Hodges of Quinter, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Proffitt, Sr.; son, David Proffitt; and daughter, Dawna K. Proffitt. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at the United Methodist Church, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, August 28, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present. Burial will be at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Kindred Hospice or United Methodist Church, Sterling in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Burgert, Betty Jane(Koontz)                 wife of Alfred Leland Burgert

Burial Date:  2018,   06/18              Age: 91            Lot: 910 F   Crems

Death Date: 2017,   08/06

Brenner Mortuary

Betty Jane Burgert
(July 7, 1926 – August 6, 2017)

Evans, Helen Gladys(Wells)Terrell       2nd wife of Henry ‘Fayne’ Evans/divorced wife of  Wayne E. Terrell      A ge:  95   Lot:  046 L

Helen Gladys Evans, 95 died June 18, 2017, at Hospital District # 1 of Rice County, Lyons.

She was born June 29, 1921, at Kingman the daughter of Harvey and Cozzetta Fitzgerald Wells.

She was a longtime Sterling resident and was a retired librarian for the Great Bend School District.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Sterling; Barton County Retired Teachers Association; American Legion Auxiliary; Business Professional Women’s Association;

In 1941 she married Wayne Elmo Terrell and they later divorced.  In 1965 she married Fayne Evans and he died in August of 1967.

She is survived by daughters, Linda Welch of Wichita, Judy Terell of Topeka and Ellen Evans of Topeka; daughter-in-law Donna Terrell of Alden; 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, 2 sons, Gene Evans and Dennis Terrell; a daughter, Patricia Harris; grandson, Corey Welch, 5 brothers, Oliver, Leonard, Bill, Chestley and Homer Wells; 3 sisters, Laura Huffman, Fern Lanham and Lola Frisbie.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the United Methodist Church, Sterling with Rev. Jeff Miller officiating.  Burial will take place at the Sterling Community Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 21st with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sterling Public Library or Sterling United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.