Atwater, Elizabeth J Evans’Betty'(Jackson)

wife of Dr. Charles Russell

Burial Date: 2017,  04/22           Age: 88           Lot: 966 A  Cremains

Died: 2017,  03/22   in Hastings, NE

Hastings resident, Elizabeth J. “Betty” Atwater, 88, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society – Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, April 1, 2017; 11:00 A.M. at Evangelical Free Church, Hastings with Pastor Tim Bowman officiating.  Burial will be held in Sterling Cemetery, Sterling, Kansas at a later date.  Memorials may be given to Central Christian Schools or Samaritan’s Purse.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.

Betty was born in Cholon, a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam, on February 12, 1929.  Her parents, Herb and Lydia Jackson, were missionaries to Vietnam.  An older brother, Merrill, had been born in 1924.  Betty attended school in Dalat, a hill station north of Ho Chi Minh City.

In early 1942, Japanese troops occupied Vietnam, and the Jackson family, along with many others, was restricted from free movement without special permission.  In 1943, the family was repatriated on the Gripsholm to the United States.  They lived in Boston for nine months and then moved to Houghton, New York, where Betty graduated in 1946 from Houghton Academy.  During the summers she usually went to New Hampshire to work on the conference grounds of the New England Fellowship.  It was there she met Charles Atwater whom she married in 1949.  One year later, Betty graduated from Houghton College.

Betty and her husband then moved to Boston where she worked in a large department store while her husband attended graduate school.  Beginning in early 1952, Betty and her husband went to India where they both served on the teaching staff at Woodstock School, an international school located in the Himalayan foothills.  Meanwhile, a daughter, Ruth, was born in September 1952, and a son, James, was born in April 1954.  Betty and her family returned to the Boston area in the summer of 1957, at which time she began teaching while her husband did additional graduate work.

In 1959, the family moved to Sterling, Kansas, where her husband accepted a position on the Sterling College faculty.  While the family resided in Sterling, two more children were born.  Carol was born in December 1959, and Steve was born in July 1968.  The family moved to Hutchinson in July 1972, and three years later, Betty began teaching at Central Christian School.

As of 1990, Betty reduced her teaching to part-time work at the Adult Learning Center.  Most of the students at the Adult Learning Center are persons who, for one reason or another, did not graduate from high school and are in process of earning a GED (General Education Development) diploma.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Atwater; son, James Atwater; and brother, Merrill Jackson.

SURVIVORS:
Children & Spouses:  
Ruth Peterson
Carol & Mark Beal
Steve & Lorraine Atwater
Grandchildren & Spouses:   
Danton & Rebecca Zumalt
Shane & Stella (Siying Wu) Peterson
Heather & Ronnie Anderson
Kayla Peterson
Tiffany & Jason Jorgenson
Monique & Matt Reels
Charlie Beal
Great-Grandchildren:         
9
Many other family members

Snyder, Louise Clara (Cathey)               wife of Dr. Dale Norman Snyder

Burial Date:  2017,  04/06       Age: 89        Lot: 936 E  Cremains

Louise Cathey Snyder passed away rejoicing in the hope of the resurrection on March 23, 2017. She was born in 1928 in Seattle, Washington, the daughter of Franklyn Warren and Clara Louise Cathey. She grew up in Castro Valley, California and graduated from Hayward Union High School in California. In 1950 she graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. She and Dale, her husband, met at Wheaton and were married at the Hayward Presbyterian Church in California on June 16, 1951. Their first two years were spent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while Dale completed his theological studies. They then spent the next 5 years in pastoral ministry in Bangor, Maine. Following this, the couple lived several years in The Hague, The Netherlands. While there, Louise taught at an international school and then became principal of the elementary and middle schools. Later, Louise received her M.A. degree in Library Science from the University of Denver and took the position of Director of the Library at Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas. She served in this position for 21 years until her retirement. During her tenure, she was honored by being elected as president of the Kansas Library Association. She was also largely responsible for the initiative to build a new college library as well as for the library design. Central to her life was her trust in the Savior whom she knew loved her and had given His life for her. Shortly before her last breath, she spoke of the love of Jesus. Louise often said that her funeral should not be dark and sad, but reflect the joy of the Gospel in light of the resurrection hope. This commitment to the Savior was the driving force behind her active involvement in the church. She had a special interest in missions and served on mission committees both in her church in Kansas and at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marc. Louise was totally committed to her family and friends and, on occasion, could light up the room with her infectious laugh. She will be deeply missed by her husband Dale, her son Peter, her daughter-in-law Tiffany, her two grandchildren, Grace and Marc, and her friends. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 11:00 AM at John Knox Presbyterian Church (4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE), with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 AM. Memorial contributions may be given to Wedgwood Christian Services (3300 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512) or Sterling College Marc Snyder Memorial Scholarship Fund (125 W. Cooper Ave., Sterling, KS 67579). – See more at: http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=louise-Snyder&pid=184708146&fhid=21051#sthash.Mn5sxsOn.dpuf

Kennedy, Kay Frances (Keevert)Temple

wife of Robert F Kennedy   divorced wife of Vernon DeeTemple

Burial Date:  2017,  03/24          Age: 81           Lot: 1182 F

Kay F. Kennedy

AGE:   81 yrs

DATE OF DEATH:  March 21, 2017

PLACE OF DEATH: Presbyterian Manor, Sterling

DATE OF BIRTH: September 26, 1935

PLACE OF BIRTH: Hays, Kansas

PARENTS: Paul V. & Beulah E. Samms Keevert

RESIDENCE: Sterling since 1965

OCCUPATION: She was a sales clerk at Sergeants’  Department Store, a secretary at the United Methodist Church and later an employee of Sterling College for 21 years at the Kelsey Library then Mabee Library.

EDUCATION: She graduated from Lyons High School in 1953, Sterling College in 1976 with a Bachelor Degree in English.

MEMBERSHIPS:  United Methodist Church, Past President United Methodist Women and member of Willing Workers/Friendship Circle; Past President of Silver Threads SeniorAssociation; Past Noble Grand Matron Rebekah Lodge # 172; Past President Rice County Women’s Thrift Shop, Lyons; Past President Kansas Library Operant’s Association; Past Leader in Girls Scouts and Blue Birds; Sterling Representative to Rice County Council on Aging

She married Vernon Dee Temple they later divorced.  She married Robert F. Kennedy on December 21, 1962, in Lyons.

Survivors are her husband Robert of the home;   Sons Stephen D. Temple, Wichita,  Kerby J. Kennedy, Sterling;  Daughters, Kara L. Temple Johnson & husband Bryce, El Dorado; Emily Ann Kennedy Gillespie & husband Chris, Sterling, Kala Kennedy Wright & husband Phillip, Spiro, OK., Karen Kennedy Buccella & husband Dennis, Greenwood, ARK.,   half-sister, Edith Krepps, Winfield, KS.; 18 Grandchildren; 24 Great-Grandchildren.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY  Parents; Daughter, Elizabeth K. Temple; Brother, Roy Allen Keevert

SERVICES: 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 24, 2017, at United Methodist Church, Sterling

OFFICIATING: Rev. Jeff Miller, Rev. Bob Baer, Pastor Kendal Connor

BURIAL: Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling

VISITATION: 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

MEMORIAL: P.B.S. or United Methodist Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling

Name: Buxton, Anna Belle(Bieber)
Burial Date: 1963, 03/23
Age at Death: 76
Plot Location: 809 B
Notes: Wife of William Arthur

Birth:	1 Aug. 1886
Death:	Feb., 1963, USA
Age 76   Family links: Spouse: William Arthur Buxton (1878 – 1952)**Calculated relationship
Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA Plot: 809 B
Created by: Lawcas Record added: Feb 19, 2013 Find A Grave Memorial# 105480940

Morgart, Jay Dean         husband of Margaret Lou(Campbell)

Burial Date: 2017,  03/07        Age:  84           Lot: 1103 A

Jay Dean Morgart, 84, passed away March 3, 2017 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.  He was born June 25, 1932 in North Kansas City, Missouri the son of Harry Ellsworth and Goldie Gillespie Morgart.  Jay has resided in Sterling, Kansas for the past 60 years, formerly of Chase, Kansas.  He worked for Sterling Township as a road maintainer for 40 years, retiring in 2010. He also was a farmer and mechanic. On February 1, 1958, he married Margaret Campbell in Lyons, Kansas.  She survives of the home.  Other survivors include his daughter, Linda and Roy Pflughoeft of Sterling, Kansas; and sister, Ardis Arnold of Little River, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene Morgart; two sisters, June Adams, and Vandella Morgart.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the Sterling Community Cemetery with Lonnie Morgan officiating.  Memorials can be made to the Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Atwater, James Robert ‘Jim’

son of Dr. Charles Russell &  Elizabeth ‘Betty’ J Evans(Jackson)

Burial Date:  2017,  03/10           Age:  62           Lot: 1041  D   Cremains

James Robert Atwater, 62, died March 2, 2017, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born April 9, 1954, in Landour, U.P., India, the son of Charles and Betty (Jackson) Atwater. They were both teachers at Woodstock School, a private international school located at the foothills of the Himalayas.

When James was three, the family returned to the United States, with older sister Ruth, where they lived in Boston, Mass., for the next two years. From 1959 to 1972, the family lived in Sterling, Kan., where two additional siblings, Carol and Steve, were born. James graduated from Sterling High School in 1972. He subsequently received an A.A. degree from Hutchinson Community College, and then began employment at Baker Mfg. Co. in Hutchinson. He later worked at a variety of jobs, but was hampered by problems of long-termed illness. During his adult years, James maintained regular contact with his parents and other family members.

Surviving family members include; his mother, Betty of Hastings, Neb.; sisters, Ruth Peterson of Hastings, Carol Beal and husband Mark of Colorado Springs; brother, Steve and wife Lorraine of Hastings, Neb.; seven nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Annie Ochs.

Cremation will take place. Inurnment will be in Sterling Community Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Hutchinson Dialysis Center, Salvation Army, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center or Horizons Mental Health Center, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Bourgain,  Rene Albert                               Husband of Julia Louise(Lyon)

Burial Date:  1941,  11/10              Age:69             Lot: 671 G/H

Birth:	Aug., 5, 1872
Death:	Nov. 7, 1941
Age 69   Family links: Spouse: Julia Louise Lyon Bourgain (____ – 1947)
Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA Plot: 671 G/H
Created by: Lawcas Record added: Feb 15, 2013 Find A Grave Memorial# 105242078

Archer, Donald Eugene ‘Gene’

1st husband of Donna Fern (Baker) 2nd husband of Hulda ‘Billie’ (Regehr) Keesling

Burial Date: 2017,  02/17        Age:  89     Lot:  008 K

War: WW II      US Army

Birth:	Jul. 17, 1927 Mercer County Missouri, USA
Death:	Feb. 19, 2017 Hutchinson Reno County Kansas, USA
Donald Eugene Archer, 89, of Hutchinson, died Feb. 19, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society, Hutchinson. He was born to William Earl & Ethel M. Gish Archer July 17, 1927, in Mercer County, Missouri. He was a longtime Medora and Hutchinson resident and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II. He was a Cost Accountant for Cessna Aircraft, Hutchinson. He attended Union Valley Bible Church and was a member of the American Legion, Hutchinson. He loved going to garage sales, auctions & flea markets, buying and selling antiques; he also was an avid hunter. He married Donna Fern Baker, June 10, 1947, at Saxman. She died on Oct. 31, 1996. He married Hulda “Billie” Regehr Keesling, May 5, 1998, at Laughlin, Nev. Survivors are his wife Billie of the home; three daughters, Carol & Mike Wenzel, Kermit, Texas, Connie & Joe Wilson, Rapid City, Iowa, Jan & Roger Sell, Hutchinson; step-son, Gary Keesling, The Villages, Fla.; step-daughter, Robin & Ralph Hanna, Winfield, Kan.; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, 12 step-great-grandchildren, one step-great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his son, Ron Archer; two brothers, William Earl Archer Jr., Robert “Bob” Archer; sister, Helen Farthing. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, Pastor Steve Hodgson officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., until service time on Thursday. Burial will be in Sterling Community Cemetery with Military Honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Memorial suggested to Reno County Hospice or Young At Hearts Ministry in care of the funeral home.Family links: Spouse: Donna Fern Baker Archer (1928 – 1996) Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA Created by: Dave Hall Record added: Feb 21, 2017 Find A Grave Memorial# 176555363Donald Eugene Archer, 89, of Hutchinson, passed away Feb. 19, 2017. He served in the Army of Occupation in Japan after WWII. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Donna Fern (Baker) Archer in 1996; and son, Ronald Earl Archer in 2013. Survived by: three daughters, Connie Wilson (Joe), Carol Wenzel (Mike), Jan Sell (Roger), grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When Gene’s children were young, he loved to take them to cut firewood, check traps, many fishing trips, camping out on sandbars, many family vacations to Colorado, growing watermelons and selling them out of the back of his old truck. Many fun watermelon feeds on the back patio with Gene and Donna Fern’s flowerbeds all around. Funeral service is at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Birzer Funeral Home in Sterling .A celebration of the lives and times of Gene, Donna Fern and Ronnie Archer for old friends and family will be held at a later date.

West, Mabel(Pearce)                            Wife of Arthur Ward West

Burial Date: 1974,  05/13             Age: 86            Lot: 204 G

West, Arthur Ward                                    husband of Mabel(Pearce)

Burial Date: 1944,  09/03          Age: 57              Lot: 204 K

Life Story Narrative

Birth:	1887
Death:	Sep., 1944
age 57 Family links: Spouse: Mable Pearce West (____ – 1974)
Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA Plot: 204 K
Created by: Lawcas Record added: May 04, 2013 Find A Grave Memorial# 109985041

Miller, Betty June(Arnold)Farris

2nd wife of William Melvin’Bill’ Miller      wife of Leslie Joseph Farris, Jr.

Burial Date: 2017,  02/15        Age: 92       Lot: 921 B

Betty June Miller, 92, of the Madrid Home and formerly of Sterling, Kansas died on February 11, 2017, at the Madrid Home in Madrid, Iowa.  Graveside services were held on Wednesday, February 15 at 1 pm at Sterling Community Cemetery in Sterling, Kansas. Betty was born on September 18, 1924, in McPherson, Kansas to Clyde F and Mae Dovey (Murphy) Arnold.  She owned and operated her own beauty shop in Sterling for many years.  Betty was a member of the Methodist Church and the Eastern Star. She enjoyed playing Bingo.  After suffering a stroke, she moved to Slater, Iowa in 2012 and then in 2013 to the Madrid Home.  Betty is survived by her sons, David Farris of Sterling, Kansas and Irvin Miller of Colorado Springs, CO.; three daughters, Barbara White of Slater, Iowa; Bobbie Burns of Newton, Kansas and Mary Piper of Bonner Springs, Kansas. Betty had twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Mae Arnold; her two husbands, Leslie Farris and William Miller, a brother, Kenneth Arnold, and two sisters, Sherrill Neeley and Wilma Breeden.  If you wish to send money to honor Betty, you may contribute to her memorial fund at the Madrid Home, 613 W North Street, in Madrid, Iowa 50156. Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling is in charge of arrangements.

Betty’s first husband, Leslie Joseph Farris, Jr. died June 1961 and is buried in Bramon, OK.

Smoot, Betty Jayne(Hayes)         wife of Billy Joe Smoot

Burial Date:  2017,  02/11        Age: 91          Lot: 916 D

Betty Jayne Smoot 91 died February 6, 2017, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.  She was born March 1, 1925, to Ray W. and Nellie Mae Walker Hayes in Wichita.  She had been a resident of Sterling since 1943 and she was a Bank Teller for First National Bank for 18 years; Farmer State Bank for 16 years. She graduated Hutchinson High School in the class of 1943 and attended Sterling College.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, a longtime Sunday School Teacher, Kum Joy Nus Class, Sterling; member and past president of PEO Chapter W; member and past president of Sorosis Club; Little Bridge Club for  40 years; Rice County Arts Council member; former Cub Scout Mother and Den leader. On February 25, 1949, in Enid, Oklahoma she married Billy Joe Smoot, he died on May 5, 1949.

Survivors are son Bradley Smoot & fiancee, Larrie Ann, Lawrence, Ks.; Brother, Charles Hayes, Sterling; 2 grandchildren, Sarah Smoot, Elizabeth Smoot; nephews, Randy Rouse, Tim Hayes; nieces, Merry Guild, Margaret Black, Barbara Robertson, Rosalyn Hacker, Cynthia Morton and many wonderful friends and neighbors; her faithful companion, Molly.

Preceded in death by parents; sister, Virginia Rouse; nephew, Allen Rouse.

Funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 11, 2017, at United Methodist Church, Sterling, officiating Rev. Rob Bolton.  Visitation is 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, February 10, 2017, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with the family present 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.  Burial will be in Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials suggested to Friends of Animals in care of the funeral home.

Walker, Dr. Richard’Dick’                    husband of Naomi Sue’Susie'(Butler)

Burial Date: 2017,  02/06          Age: 81                Lot: 1253 F

Richard “Dick” Walker, 81 passed away at Presbyterian Manor, Sterling on Friday, February 3, 2017.  Dick was born July 5, 1935 at Miami, Oklahoma the son of Andy and Mable Smith Walker.  He received his Bachelor of Arts from Pittsburg State College, Master’s Degree form Emporia State College, Doctorate in Biology at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.  Dick married Susie Butler, August 28, 1954 at Pryor, Oklahoma.  Susie passed away on January 22, 2017.   They lived most of their married life in Sterling where he was a Professor of Biology for 34 years at Sterling College, he was also a member of the United Methodist Church and Sterling Country Club.   Survivors are 2 sons, Pat and Barbara Walker, Oklahoma City, OK., Bill & Denise Walker, St. Louis, MO., 4 grandsons, Jonathan, Michael, Matthew, Mark; one granddaughter, Janelle.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 6, 2017 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with Rev. Jeff Miller officiating.   Visitation will be 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present.  Burial will be in the Sterling Community Cemetery.  Memorials are to Presbyterian Manor in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Love Stories – from Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America

DICK AND SUSIE WALKER

“We both graduated from high schools in northeast Oklahoma. Then we went to the same junior college. I had heard about her, and then I saw a picture. She was on the drill team, and the photo was a promotional photo for the team, and she was in her uniform. Well, I asked her to the engineers dance. That must have been after Christmas. She had to ask around about me to lots of folks before she gave in. The dance was in March. We graduated and got engaged. And then we married in August and that’s it. Here we are 62 years later with two kids and two grandkids.”

Proffitt, Gerald Melvin             husband of Twila LaVaughn(Harper)

Burial Date: 2017,  01/27        Age: 101          Lot: 926 H

Gerald M. Proffitt, died January 22, 2017, at the Presbyterian Manor, Sterling. He was born January 5, 1916, in rural Sterling to Arthur and Lydia (Elliott) Proffitt. A lifetime resident of Alden and Sterling and a graduate of Alden High School. He was a farmer and stockman. He was a member of the Alden Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He was a board member of the Alden Co-op for 6 years and a board member of the Sterling Co-op for14 years. He was a member of The Walnut Grove School Board and Alden School Board. On September 21, 1936, he married Twila Harper in McPherson. Survivors include a son Larry and Dixie Proffitt, Sterling; daughter, Judy and Harold Hodge, Madison, KS.; daughter-in-law, Susan Proffitt, Gallop, NM.; nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Twila; his parents; a son, Roddy Proffitt and daughter Karen Price and husband Robert, four brothers, Harold, Dale, Clinton, Arlos and a sister Betty Duft; grandson, Royce Glinke, granddaughter, Barbara Stutz and husband Vern and great-grandson Tyson Proffitt. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017, at Alden Baptist Church, Alden, Kansas at 10:00 A.M. with Matt Hendricks and Rev. Kendal Conner. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2017, from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Memorials may be made to Alden Baptist Church or Sterling Presbyterian Manor in care of the Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

1936 Wedding Picture

Walker, Naomi Sue ‘Susie’ (Butler)

wife of Dr. Richard ‘Dick’ Walker

Burial Date: 2017,  01/25      Age: 81        Lot: 1253 H

Susie B. Walker (Butler)

November 15, 1935 ~ January 22, 2017 (age 81)

STERLING – Susie B. Walker, 81, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at Sterling Presbyterian Manor. Susie was born Nov. 15, 1935, in Tulsa, Okla., the daughter of Percy and Sue Butler.