Hodge, Judy Kay (Proffitt) Glinke

Hodge, Judy Kay (Proffitt) Glinke w/Harold ‘Red’ E. / dw/Roy Glinke

Burial Date: 2025, 09/06 Age:76 Lot: 1020 D Crems

Judy Kay (Proffitt) Hodge

August 12, 1949 ~ August 30, 2025 76 Years Old

Judy Kay Hodge, 76, of Madison, Kansas, passed away August 30, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born August 12, 1949, in Sterling, Kansas, the daughter of Gerald and Twila (Harper) Proffitt. Judy has resided in Madison since 1994, formerly of Emporia, Kansas. She graduated from Alden High School, with the class of 1966 and attended Emporia State University. Judy worked at Hetlinger Developmental Services, in Emporia, as a community job coach for the intellectual disabled for twenty years. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Madison, and was a past board member for the Madison Senior Center. Judy enjoyed cross stitching, and most of all spending time with her family. She was an avid Kansas University basketball and football fan. On February 14, 1985, Judy was united in marriage with Harold “Red” Hodge in Alden, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2022. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Royce Glinke; brother, Roddy “Rod” Proffitt; sister, Karen Price and her husband Robert; brother-in-law, Tom Beck; and sister-in-law, Dixie Proffitt. Judy is survived by her two daughters, Stacey Peters and husband Scott of Canton, OH, and Erin Rindt-Hultman and husband Matt of Newton, KS; brother, Larry Proffitt of Sterling, KS; sister-in-law, Susan Proffitt of Hutchinson, KS; and four grandchildren, Trevin Rindt, Eris Rindt, Sarah Peters; and Rachel Peters. Graveside service will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, KS, with Pastor Bob Robison officiating. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church, Madison, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Horton, Donald Gene

Horton, Donald Gene h/Vicki Lynn (Stange)

Donald Gene Horton, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, August 22, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1938, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to William Paul and Dorothy Rose (Miller) Horton.

Don was a 1957 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. Following graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served for over seven years. Don served most of his time in the Navy on a Permit-class nuclear submarine. After his service, he attended The University of Houston and San Diego State. Don worked for the United States Department of Energy, Washington D.C., as the Deputy Director of Civilian Nuclear Power, as well as in Quality Assurance. While at the Department of Energy, he assisted in the Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, NV. Don was a member of the; Sons of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, VFW and American Legion. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and associate member of United Church of Christ Midland, Sterling.

On September 15, 1973, he married his wife and soulmate, Vicki Lynn Stange, in Reno, NV.

Don is survived by: his wife of nearly 52 years, Vicki Horton, of Hutchinson; children, Stephanie (Mike) Madzy of Marble Falls, TX, Anthony Horton of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Christian Horton of Houston, TX, Joshua Horton of Round Rock, TX, Charles Wesley Madzy of Washington; great-grandson, Asher Horton; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Jaunita Godard; brothers, William Horton, Jr., Paul “Bob” Horton, Leonard Horton, Jack Horton, Charles Horton and Billy Horton.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Sterling Community Cemetery, 522 E. Cleveland, Sterling, with Pastor Mike McLemore officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the United State Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

McNeil, Jay C

O’ Neil, Jay C. h/Marilyn Ann(Heter)

18 Oct 1934 21 Aug 2025

Memorial photo

Jay C McNeil, 90, native of Sterling, Kansas, passed away August 21, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilyn (Heter) McNeil, and survived by daughters Marcelyn, Shelley and Krista, sons-in-law Marco Salinas and Frank Pilarski, seven grandsons and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be held graveside,11:00 A.M., Friday, August 29, at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:30 on August 29 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Research Foundation at https://www.thebrf.org/donate/

U.S., Korean War Era Draft Cards, 1948-1959

Smith, Donna L (Steierl) Mosier

Smith, Donna L (Steierl) Mosier w/Forrest dw/Orlin Mosier

Donna L Smith

Tuesday, October 16th, 1928 – Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Donna L. Smith was born on Oct. 16, 1928 near Sterling the daughter of John C. and Vesta (Hawver) Steierl. She passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Homestead of Abilene, where she resided for 12 years. Donna was a homemaker, farm wife and Sterling schools lunch – r o o m manager for 25 years. I n 1 9 4 6 , s h e married Orlin Mosier, and they had two children (Terry Mosier and Joan Wyatt). The couple later divorced. On May 28, 1983, she married Forrest Smith at Sterling. They moved to Plains where she and Forrest owned and operated a Sonic Drive-In located in Meade for eight years before retiring. She is a member of the Abilene First United Methodist Church in Abilene. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Clifford Steierl and John Steierl, her husband Forrest Smith, and a son Terry Mosier. She is survived by a daughter Joan (Ray) Wyatt, a daughter-in-law, Sue Horne Mosier, two stepsons, Steven Smith, and Scott Smith, two stepdaughters, Brenda Wylie and Cheryl Schmidt, twelve grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildren, and nine great great grandchildren. I lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Dickinson County, and may be sent in care of the MartinBecker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kan., 67410. A graveside service is planned for Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com. The Sterling Bulletin, June 5, 2025 (Donna’s name is on this stone with Forrest’s but he is not buried here)

Schneider, Glenys Irene (McDill)

Schneider, Glenys Irene (McDill) w/Alvin Lee

Glenys Irene Schneider

December 8, 1928 – May 16, 2025

Glenys Irene Schneider

December 8, 1928 – May 16, 2025

Glenys Irene Schneider, 96, died May 16, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Wichita. She was born Dec. 8, 1928, at Grace Hospital, Hutchinson, to R o b e r t B a k e r and Flora Maude (McAtee) McDill. Glenys graduated from Nickerson High School in 1945 and attended Kansas State University. She was a bookkeeper for banks in Sterling and Independence, as well as helping to prepare tax forms. She also worked as a general office assistant at IMCO (Independent Manufacturing Company) in Neodesha. Glenys loved to support three sons in their school activities, their sports events and all her grandsons in all their activities. She enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Glenys was able to go to many stadium tours across the country, seeing the “behind the scenes” for baseball and football. Glenys was an avid NCAA basketball viewer and attended many of the Junior College National Tournaments in Hutchinson. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. On Jan. 2, 1949, she married Alvin Lee Schneider at the Midland Community Church in rural Rice County. They shared over 61 years of marriage, prior to his death on Aug. 14, 2010. Glenys is survived by: sons, Terry (Lisa) Schneider of Wichita, Roger (Debbie) Schneider of Rose Hill; grandsons, Jared (Kate) Schneider, Eric (Candice) Schneider; great-grandchildren: Story, Rose and Hunter; step-grandchildren, Stacy (Ryan), Stephanie (Rich) and Trey; and Story Schneider and Rose Schneider, Hunter Schneider and eight step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her parents, husband; son, Tom (1997); grandson, Travis Schneider (2020); and brother, Donald McDill. Graveside service will be announced at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Cedarhurst of Wichita, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. The Sterling Bulletin, June 5, 2025

Rapp, William Conrad ‘Bill’

Rapp, William ‘Bill’ Conrad h/Deanna(?)

December 10, 1948-February 14, 2024

William “Bill” Rapp, 75, passed away February 14, 2024, in Lake Stevens, Washington. He was born December 10, 1948, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Jack and Reva Rapp. Bill graduated from Wichita East High School, Wichita, with the class of 1967. In 1971, he received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wichita State University. Bill served one tour in the National Guard as a medic. He was a Master Councilor for DeMolay. Bill enjoyed bird hunting, racing cars, and classic cars. He is survived by his wife, Deanna; daughter, Erika; brother, Tom; and two grandchildren. Bill is preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Edgar, Robert Willis

Edgar, Robert Willis h/Harriett Louise (Fisher)

Robert Willis Edgar was born on May 22, 1925 in Newton, Kansas.

Robert Willis Edgar was born on May 22, 1925, in Newton, Kansas, to Willis and Ethel Edgar. He died April 11, 2024, at the age of 98, at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. The family lived in Sterling, Kansas, where Bob attended elementary and high school, and where he completed two years at Sterling College. He entered the military in April, 1944, and proudly served in the US Navy as a radioman on LST 1048 in the Pacific. After discharge in June, 1946, Bob finished college at Kansas State University on the GI bill. He married Harriett L. Fisher, his high school sweetheart, in August, 1946. After working in Hutchinson, KS for several years as an accountant, Bob and Harriett moved their young family to Colby, KS in 1957. Bob accepted a job with Service Oil Company and was with the company for 37 years until his retirement at age 69. As President, he grew the company into a thriving business. Bob was very active in the Kansas Oil Marketers Association, serving as President, and was on the National Board of Directors for the Petroleum Marketers Association of America. While in Colby, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church. He and Harriett sang in the choir for many years. When Bob retired, they bought a 5th wheel RV and toured the U.S. for several years, finally settling in Tucson. Bob became a well known silversmith and enjoyed selling his beautiful jewelry at Market Days. He was a supervisor of the silversmith and lapidary shops, and was the Treasurer of Summer Chapel for many years. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and his wife, Harriett, who died in 2005. He is succeeded by his children and their spouses: Nancy Kersten (Jerald), Vicki Edgar, and Alan Edgar (Linda). His grandchildren are Elizabeth Kubicki (Thomas) of Highland Park, IL, Matthew Kersten (Kara) of Prairie Village, KS, James Kersten (Betsy) of Prairie Village, KS, Jeffrey Edgar of Chicago, IL, and Charlie Edgar of Minneapolis, MN. He was the proud great-grandfather of Katherine and Andrew Kubicki, Greta and Torin Kersten, and Oliver and Aurelia Kersten. A memorial service will be held for Bob in the Catalina Room at the Voyager on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Burial will be in the Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, KS. Memorial gifts may be made to the Voyager Summer Chapel, ℅ Dick Paxton, 8701 S. Kolb,12-187, Tucson AZ 85756

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Hall, Charles William ‘Chuck’

Hall, Dr. Charles William ‘Chuck’ dh/Shirley (Dunn)Dornberg/ 2nd h/Dr. Roberta ‘ Robin’ Walsh

Charles Hall Obituary

Dr. Charles (Chuck) William Hall, age 79, of Flagler Beach, Fl., died peacefully on February 20, 2025 after an extended illness. Chuck, the son of Charles M. and Opal O. (Ault) Hall, was born on January 11, 1946, in Sterling, KS. Chuck graduated from Sterling High School, Sterling College (BS Degree), Ohio University (MA Degree), and Arizona State University (Ed.D). Chuck was married to Shirley (Dunn)Dornberg and together they had three children: Emily, Jeffrey, and Christopher. Later, he married Dr. Roberta (Robin) Walsh and she brought her son, Daniel, into the marriage. Growing up, Chuck became an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, played high school football, and worked at Dillons Grocery store. After graduating from college, he devoted his entire career to education. During his nearly 50-year career, he worked at Sterling Public Schools, Ohio University, Central Arizona College, Mohave Community College (MCC), and Lake City Community College, which later became Florida Gateway College (FGC). He loved working with students and always enjoyed being in the classroom, coaching forensic activities and student government at the local, state, and national levels. He had more than 45 years of teaching and administrative experience and served 31 of those years as the College President at MCC and FGC. He and his wife, Robin, were passionate about creating educational opportunities for everyone, endowing seven separate college scholarships. An entire page could be dedicated to the awards that Chuck received throughout his career, but three really encapsulated his impact as an educator. One of his crowning achievements at FGC was receiving the President’s Award for Professional Excellence by the Florida Association of Community Colleges. In addition to receiving recognition from his peers, Chuck was also highly regarded by the student body. In 2015, he was nominated by FGC students to receive the Florida College System Student Government Association’s Bob Graham Distinguished Service Award, eventually prevailing over the other nominees, and was also inducted into the Florida College System “Hall of Fame.” Chuck’s mantra – “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” – inspired the entire FGC community to achieve its full potential. The FGC students voted to name the Student Activities Center after him and, to this day, affectionately refer to it as “The Hall.” When Chuck retired in June 2015, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to grant him the title President Emeritus for serving with distinction, dedication and commitment to the students, faculty, staff, and community over his 18 years at Florida Gateway College. A few years later, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Colleges Student Activities Association. Chuck regularly gave back to the community and served in leadership positions with the Performing Arts, local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Club, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes and served on local boards such as the Economic Development Board and Lake City Medical Center Hospital Board of Trustees. He loved his family, spending time with them, and traveling near and far. He was very proud of his children and always considered them his greatest legacy. After retirement, Chuck pursued travel with the same enthusiasm he devoted to his career. He and his wife, Robin, accomplished their goal of traveling to all seven continents by land and sea. He also enjoyed philanthropy, genealogical research, theater, movies, and reading. Those who knew him loved his compassion, great sense of humor, and ability to put others at ease. He was a remarkable and visionary man who made a positive difference in the world. Chuck is survived by his wife of almost 27 years, Robin, her mother, Helen Anderst of Palm Coast, FL; four children: Emily (Jeff) Baker of Kingman, AZ, Jeffrey (Jackie) Hall of Santa Barbara, CA, Christopher Hall of Denver, CO, and Daniel Walsh (Keysha Velez) of Miami, FL; grandchildren: Shane (Cindy) Hall, Abigail Hall and Alexander Hall; great-grandchildren: Hayden Hall and Carson Hall; sister Trudy Lawson of Hutchinson, KS; sister-in-law Vicki Hall of Belleview, IL; brother-in-law Charles (Donna) Anderst of Naples, Fl; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents Opal and Charles, brother Robert Hall, father-in-law Robert Anderst, and brother-in-law Michael Anderst. A memorial service will be held by the family at Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church at 101 Pine Lakes Pkwy., Palm Coast, FL 32164, on March 22, 2025 at 11:00 am. At a later date, Chuck will be interred next to his family at the Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park (FROGRS) at 3100 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. Flagler Beach, FL 32136.

Goodwin, Jr., Vinnie Garold “Jerry”

Goodwin, Jr., Vinnie Garold ‘Jerry’ h/Theresa Catherine ‘Teri’ (Roncace)

Vinnie Garold “Jerry” Goodwin Jr. Vinnie Garold “Jer ry” Goodwin Jr., 89, of Berthoud, Colo., passed away April 11, 2025, at St. Anthony Hospital, Lake wood, Colo. He was born July 2, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Okla. , the son of Vinnie Garold Sr. and Mildred (Wright) Good win. Jer ry gradu ated from Sterling High School, Sterling. He has resided in Ber thoud since 2018, former ly of Peoria, Ariz. from 1993 until 2018, and Long mont, Colo. from 1981 until 1993. Jerry was a quality control manager for various tech compa nies, and worked for Ball Aerospace in Boulder, Colo., from 1981 until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Longmont, Colo., where he was involved in a pool league, and member of Westbrook Village Com munity in Peoria, Ariz. He loved to play golf, enjoyed playing pool, cards, tennis during col lege, and was a really good swimmer.

On Nov. 14, 1964, Jer ry was united in mar riage with Theresa Cath erine “Teri” Roncace, in Van Nuys, Calif. She pre ceded him in death on Feb. 22, 2024. He is also preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Goodwin; brother, Ter ry Lee Goodwin; sister, Donna Jones; brother in-law, Gerald Jones. Jerry is survived by his two children, Doug Goodwin of Hutchin son, and Vikki Proctor and husband Mark of Berthoud, Colo.; sister in-law, Sadie Goodwin of Sterling; nine grandchil dren; numerous great grandchildren; several great-great-grandchil dren; and other extend ed family. Funeral service will be at 12:30 p.m., Satur day, May 10, 2025, at Birz er Funeral Home, Ster ling. Burial will follow at the Sterling Commu nity Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 11:30 until service time, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or your local food bank, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Wisby, Janice Joan (Harmon)

Wisby, Janice Joan

(Harmon) w/Warren Eugene Wisby

Janice J. Wisby

July 15, 1938 – March 30, 2025

Janice J. Wisby

Janice Joan Wisby, 86, died March 30, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born July 15, 1938, in Hutchinson, to Myrl and Amy (Rakestraw) Harmon.

Janice graduated from Sterling High School in 1956. She worked in communications for Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland. After moving to Hutchinson, Janice was co-owner, along with her husband, Warren, of Candyman Video. She had a love for all animals, but dogs had a special place in her heart. Janice opened up her home and helped with many rescue dogs, giving them a warm bed, food, and the love they deserved. In addition, Janice enjoyed spending time at her sister’s pool with the “Glitter Girls”. Rather than a time of water exercise, it usually ended up with visiting, laughing, and adult beverages. She was also one of the “Domino Divas”, meeting weekly to play dominos with her friends, and typically, cheating to be sure she won! She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi where she met many of her dearest friends. Janice had a great wit and sense of humor, even during her last few days at Hospice House. She never complained and always faced life with faith, humor and strength. Janice believed that family wasn’t slways blood and she loved hers unconditionally.

On August 2, 1957, she married Warren Eugene Wisby, in Sterling. He died August 18, 2015, after sharing 58 years of marriage.

Janice is survived by: son, Doug Wisby (Ginger) of Hutchinson; daughter, Dawn Bontrager (Lavon) of Louisburg; sister, Carolyn Schafer; brothers, Bud Harmon and Keith Harmon (Teresa); grandchildren, Summer Smith (Joey), Nathan Butts, Haley Christenson (Brody), Conner Jones (Savannah), Emma Wisby, Amy Wisby, Ryan Bontrager (Rhi) and Shane Bontrager (Abby); and great-grandchildren, Jaden Smith, Rylan Smith, Wade Christenson, Ramsey Bontrager, Rowan Bontrager, Liam Bontrager, and Braylen Bontrager, and her constant companion, her dog Daisy.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; daughter, DeLora Wisby Butts; grandson, Kyle Anthony Wisby; brothers, Rex Harmon and sister-in-law, Marty Harmon; and brother-in-law, Ted Schafer.

Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Private family inurnment will take place in the Sterling Community Cemetery. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Click here to view the Celebration of Life Service for Janice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, Spring Hill, KS or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Don Carlos, Phyllis ‘Phyl’ Roberta(Wurst)

Phyllis Roberta (Wurst) Don Carlos

June 5, 1918 ~ February 8, 2025 (age 106)

Phyllis Roberta Don Carlos, died February 8, 2025. She was born on June 5, 1918, to William and Della (Miller) Wurst. She was 106 years old and lived all her life in Sterling. On October 11, 1941, Phyllis married Robert Don Carlos. Her husband; parents; brother, Graydon Wurst; and sisters, Donna Cundith and Patsy McMurphy predeceased her. Aunt Phyl is survived by her niece, Cheri (Anthony) Thomas and Cheri’s children Chasity, Shane, and Brett and their families; and by her nephew, Will Cundith and his children Shawn and Kelsie and nephews, Greg, Wen, and Brian Wurst and their families. A memorial service will be at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, February 13, 2024, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Memorials may be given to Gentiva Hospice in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Wilkey, Elmer Van

Wilkey, Elmer ‘ Van’ h/Mary Sue(Lamb)

April 7, 1946- February 13, 2025

Elmer Wilkey Obituary

Elmer “Van” Wilkey, 78, of Hutchinson, Kansas. passed away February 13, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born April 7, 1946, in Sterling, Kansas, the son of Steven James and Mildred(Vogel) Wilkey. Van married the love of his life, Mary Sue on January 22, 1966, in Cherokee, Kansas. They had two children, Stephanie and Scott. Van was called to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1968 until 1969. Van enjoyed farming and ranching with his dad, he was involved with livestock most of his life in one way or another. He enjoyed racing cars, rodeos, roping and spending time going on road trips with Mary Sue and the numerous dogs over the years. Van also enjoyed watching the grandkids sporting events. Van is survived by his two children, Stephanie Kofford and husband Michael of Rock Springs, WY, and Scott Wilkey and wife Tiffany of Sterling, KS; three sisters, Vicki Daise and husband Ron of Osborne, KS, Judy McDowell of Monroe, WA; and Jo McQuinston of Emporia, KS; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Mary Sue (Lamb) Wilkey. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Wayne Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, with military honors. Memorials may be given to Missions Revival or Hospice of Reno County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Forwalder, John Michael ‘Mike’

John Forwalder Obituary

John M. Forwalder (Mike) passed away on January 23, 2025, at the Hospice House in Hutchinson, Kansas. Mike was born on April 6, 1946, the son of Harold and Luella (Boes) Forwalder. Mike was a lifetime resident of Sterling, Kansas graduating from Sterling High School in 1964 and also Sterling College. Mike was a good athlete, lettering in track and basketball. After college, Mike enlisted in the Army National Guard and some of Mike’s fondest memories were of his service in the National Guard where his artillery unit received the highest commendations and awards. Mike loved the out-of-doors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and conservationist. He worked for a short period at the Quivera National Wildlife Refuge and was also a reserve police officer for the Sterling police department. Mike, like his father before him, was an accomplished carpenter who built and remodeled many homes in and around Sterling. A memorial service is planned at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Moxley Foundation, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

department. Mike, like his father before him, was an accomplished carpenter who built and remodeled many homes in and around Sterling. A memorial service is planned at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Moxley Foundation, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

‘

John M. (Mike) Forwalder John M. Forwalder (Mike) passed away on Jan. 23, 2025, at the Hospice House in Hutchin son. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, May 9, at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Memorials may be sent to the Moxley Foun dation, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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Flickinger, Patricia ‘Pat’ Rowena(Barrett)

Patricia Flickinger

October 8, 1939 – December 17, 2024

Flickinger, Patricia ‘Pat’ Rowena(Barrett) w/Clyde Allen

Burial Date: 2024, 12/23 Age: 85 Lot: 924 A

Patricia Flickinger

October 8, 1939 – December 17, 2024

Patricia Flickinger

Patricia “Pat” Flickinger, 85, of Hutchinson, died December 17, 2024, at Legend of Hutchinson. She was born October 8, 1939, in Hutchinson, to John and Oma (Leach) Barrett.Pat graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1957. On April 25, 1959, she married Clyde A. Flickinger in Hutchinson at her family home. They shared nearly 53 years of marriage before his death on April 11, 2012.She loved sharing life and work on the farm with Clyde and their four boys. She learned to show her love of family with food making meals where no one went hungry; in fact, EVERYONE went home with leftovers. She enjoyed keeping her family smiling with her joyful spirit and a love of playing games.Pat expressed her faith by being involved in the Ladies Aid at Sterling Evangelical Bible Church where she was a member for many years. She was an avid thrifter and in retirement combined her faith and passion for thrifting into an act of service by becoming a member of the board of directors for Hutchinson Etcetera Shop. In addition, she was a member of the Medford EHU ladies’ group. Pat loved to sew and always had a quilt and a multitude of sewing projects in the works. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading.Pat is survived by: sons, Bart Flickinger (Kris Ehling) of Wichita, Troy (Kristy) Flickinger of Hutchinson, Kyle (Lesa) Flickinger of Sterling, and Chris (Dana) Flickinger of Wichita; 20 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Clyde Flickinger; and three siblings.Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel with Clark Comley officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery.Friends may sign her memorial book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will only be open during the family visitation Sunday evening.

Laymon, Sammy Edward ‘Sam’

Laymon, Sammy Edward ‘Sam’ h/Kristin H ‘Kris’ (Root)

Death: 2024, 12/26 Age: 68 Lot: 1100 A

Official Obituary of

Sammy Edward “Sam” Laymon

March 18, 1956 ~ December 26, 2024 (age 68)

Sammy Edward Laymon Obituary

Sammy Edward “Sam” Laymon, 68, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away December 26, 2024, at his home. He was born March 18, 1956, in El Dorado, Kansas, the son of Max Loyde and Phyllis N. (Stacey) Laymon. Sam was a long time resident of Sterling. He graduated from Sterling High School, with the class of 1974. Sam worked for Sterling Appliance, later becoming Sterling Maytag, from the late 1970’s until 1995. He then owned Sam’s Multi Service from 1995 until retiring in 2014. He enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, and most of all spending time with his family. On November 20, 1976, Sam was united in marriage with Kris Root in Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Kris Laymon of Sterling, KS; four children, Chelsea Stewart and husband Phillip of Sterling, KS, Brandon Laymon and wife Kodi of Sterling, KS, Bret Laymon of Sterling, KS, and Courtney Bosas and husband Joe of Lenexa, KS; five siblings, Jody Laymon, Shannon Laymon, Max Laymon II, Shawna Bailey and husband Curtis, and Aaron Laymon and wife Jayne; ten grandchildren, Hannah and husband Zane, Kody, Dalton, Dylan and wife Silas, Haley, Isaiah, Eve, Luke, Gage, Ryatt; two great-grandchildren, Maddox and Maylee; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sam is preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Stacy Scott and Stephanie Mauck. Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Nickia Larsen officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present. Memorials may be given to Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

Photo by Candice Groth: