Edgar, Cora Elizabeth ‘Betty’ (Kensett)

wife of Howard Metheny Edgar

Burial Date:  2014,   06/16     Age: 87      Lot: 960 F

Cora Elizabeth (Betty) Kensett was born on March 3, 1927 in Sabetha, Kansas. Her father, James W. Kensett, Sr., was a school principal, and her mother, Cora Kensett (née Rose), was a sometimes teacher for the public schools. She also taught piano and sang professionally. Betty had a brother Dr. James W. Jr. three years her senior. After a change in career, James settled the family in Parsons, Kansas. Betty graduated from Parsons High School in 1945.

Betty attended and graduated from Sterling College (1950) after initially attending the University of Kansas. There she met Howard Edgar, her future husband who was also a SC student. Howard and Betty were wed August 27, 1949. They were a loving couple and a good team. Their union lasted 64 years until Howard’s passing in November 2013.

In 1950 they moved to Hutchinson, Kansas when Howard secured a job at St Elizabeth’s Hospital as a medical technician. In 1955, the family moved to a brand new house at 26 Wheatland Drive, Hutchinson, where Betty lived for the rest of her life.

It was a traditional family; Betty was the homemaker. She did the shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, tending to the children and all the rest. She was quite busy, but very organized, serving three meals a day – always on time with rare exception. She found time to sew, making clothes for the children and even Ken and Barbie. In nice weather she’d tend to her flowers out back.

Betty took her role as mother seriously – teacher, nurse, chauffer, and student. She was leader of Ann’s Girl Scout troop for a number of years. Betty loved music, playing piano, and singing just like her own mother. She passed that love on to her children. She took art classes with Hutch Recreation and encouraged her kids to be creative as well. She taught them to be independent and able to take care of themselves, be considerate of others, and to never waste anything.

Betty was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church. She attended the 1st Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson, nearly every Sunday where she made many friends and was involved in its many functions.

Betty exercised all her life. As a youth, she played tennis and swam on a regular basis. She followed Jack La Lanne from early on. In her later years, she did water aerobics and participated in exercise sessions at church.

Betty left this earth on May 26, 2014. May she rest in peace.

Survivors include Betty’s children, David Wilson Edgar (Wichita, KS), Elizabeth Ann Fincham (Topeka, KS), Steven Kensett Edgar (Long Island City, NY), Dr. James Howard Edgar (Manhattan, KS) Betty had eleven grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held on Monday June 16 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson 11:00AM. All are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sterling College or First Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson.

Ray,  Robert Everett

husband of Judy K (Nickels); divorced husband of Wanda L.(Williams) and Elizabeth Noreen ‘Lizz'(Savage)Ray Randles

Burial Date:  3/15/2016        Age:  88          Lot:  974 D  Cremains

US Navy         WW2    

Robert E. Ray June 17, 1927 – December 20, 2015

Robert E. Ray, 88, died December 20, 2015, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born June 17, 1927, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Ralph E. and Thelma (Frakes) Ray. When Robert was 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served in WWII, as a Fireman First Class. After returning from the war he worked many places, but most recently as a truck driver for both the Oil Fields and the Sterling CO-OP. Robert was also a beekeeper and owned and operated R.J. Apiary. After retirement Robert served as a councilman for the City of Hoisington and was a member of the zoning commission during the busy times after the 2001 tornado. He was a member of the local Horseshoe Club and was a 50 year member of the Masons along with being a worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1948, he married Wanda L. Williams. They later divorced. He then married Judy K. Nickels on December 31, 1969, in Sterling, Kansas. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy K. Ray, of the home; a daughter, Debbie Laudermilk and husband Terry of Wichita; two grandchildren, Ryan Laudermilk of Topeka, and Cara Cramer and husband Dan of Wichita; two great granddaughters, Alice Cramer and Julia Ray Cramer; mother-in-law, Wanda P. Witt of Claflin; brother, Art Ray and wife Sharon of Siletz, Oregon; nephew, Gerry Ray of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and a niece, Laurie Schmit and husband Gerry of Houston, Texas; and two great nephews, Andrew Schmit and wife Samantha of Columbus, Ohio and Michael Schmit of Houston. Graveside services have been rescheduled for 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Born: June 17, 1927 Death: December 20, 2015 There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers and food, family would prefer memorials to Kans for Kids or the Hoisington Public Library, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Wyatt, Frances Louise ‘Fran’ (Willey)

wife of William Matthew Wyatt

Burial Date: 2015, 07/06        Age: 80        Lot:  603 C    Cremains

Died in Scottsdale, AZ        6/21/2014

Wyatt, Frances Louise
beloved wife of William Wyatt, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday June 21, 2014 at 80 years of age. Fran was born in Tacoma Washington April 19, 1934 and was a resident of Scottsdale AZ since 1961. Fran worked as a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines and as a dental assistant in Kansas and here in Scottsdale. Fran was a volunteer, and was the Volunteer President, at the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborne Campus during the 1970s. Fran was also very active at the Scottsdale Bible Church since 1982, singing in the choir and occasionally teaching at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Fran was well known as a pet lover, taking in many “rescues” over the years. She also enjoyed baking and sewing in her spare time. Fran was preceded by her beloved husband of 52 years William Wyatt, married in Tacoma, WA on June 3, 1956. Fran is survived by her daughter, Ellen Wyatt Gothe of Denver, CO, son Thomas Wyatt of Scottsdale, and grandchildren Collin Gothe of El Paso, TX, Ian Gothe of Orlando, FL, and Jasper and Ashton Bengtson of Scottsdale, AZ. A memorial service will be held this Saturday June 28, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Chapel at Scottsdale Bible Church, 7901 East Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of the Valley , 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85016. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?pid=171495435#sthash.iYuxRB31.dpuf

Wisby, Warren Eugene       husband of Janice Joan (Harmon)

Burial Date:  2015, 08/24        Age:  83          Lot:  980 G   Cremains

Korean War   

Born: July 31, 1932
Died: August 18, 2015

Wells, Helen L( Shores)              wife of Willard Dale

Burial Date: 2015,  09/16     Age: 92      Lot: 009 D

TOPEKA – Helen L. (Shores) Wells, 92, formerly of Nickerson, was called home peacefully with family beside her on Sept. 13, 2015, at the Peggy Kelly House in Topeka. Helen was born in Sterling, to Leo and Mary “May” Shores on Jan. 28, 1923. She attended a country school before graduating from Nickerson High at the age of 16. She went on to earn a business degree from Adele Hale Business College in Hutchinson. Although she enjoyed bookkeeping and working at the Nickerson Elementary School and High School, she enjoyed her work at church the most. Through the years she served as a church board member, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, deaconess, musician and on various committees. Helen also enjoyed her membership in the Cameo Club, SS Club, Order of the Eastern Star and Women’s Fellowship Group.

On March 30, 1942, Helen married the love her of life, W. Dale Wells, in Lamar, Mo. As a couple, the two enjoyed numerous activities with clubs and organizations, community involvement, close friendships with card parties, picnics, and barbecues and potluck dinners. While Dale was the extrovert, Helen loved baking bread to take to the elderly, calling on shut-ins and supporting Dale.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and a brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Grace Hospice in Topeka.

Birth:	Jan. 28, 1923 Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA
Death:	Sep. 13, 2015 Topeka Shawnee County Kansas, USA
Obituary: Hutchinson, KS News, Sept. 15, 2015 Married March 30, 1942, in Lamar, MO Longtime Nickerson, KS residentFamily links: Parents: Leo Shores (____ – 1971) Mary Virginia Tate Shores (____ – 1979)Spouse: W. Dale Wells (____ – 2001)
Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA
Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?]
Created by: mcr Record added: Sep 15, 2015 Find A Grave Memorial# 152327368

Unruh, James P.   ‘Jim’                     husband of Suzanne ‘Susie’ (Amend)

Burial Date:  2015, 09/17           Age: 75            Lot: 1055 C  Crems

US Army           Air National Guard            Peace Time

Vaughn, Cosa Mae  (Rawlins) Thompson     dw/Donald Vaughn;w/Whitney Thompson

Burial Date:  2015,  10/30       Age: 96       Lot: CS  03 C

w

Cosa Mae Vaughn, 96, departed this life on Oct. 23, 2015 in Sterling, Kan. Born on Christmas Day in 1918 to Benjamin J. and Leona M. (Martin) Rawlins in Sterling, Kan., Cosa grew up and spent most of her life in the Sterling area.
She graduated from Sterling High School in 1936. She graduated from Sterling College in 1940 and then attended the University of Kansas for a few years. Cosa joined several of her siblings in California in 1943, where she worked as a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ at a munitions plant in San Diego. There she met and married Whitney Thompson. They had two daughters and a son. When Whitney was lethally wounded, Cosa returned to Sterling. She married Donald Vaughn. They had two daughters.
Cosa was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Whitney, and siblings Charles Rawlins, Walter Lee Rawlins, Anna Morgan, Konstance Mitchell,  Bill Rawlins, Lionel Rawlins, Gaylord Rawlins, Harold Rawlins, John Rawlins and Ed Rawlins, son-in-law Richard Adams and grandson Cecil (Scooter) Moore.
Left to cherish her memory are five children, Leona and husband Cecil Moore of Hampton, Va., Sherry Adams of Silver Springs, Md., Dan and wife Vivian (Alfie) Thompson of Gardner, Kan., Geraldine and husband Eddie Tipton of Hutchinson, Kan., and Johnese and husband Kurt Gillespie of Lyons, Kan.; siblings Paul Rawlins of Hutchinson, Dimple Santos of San Diego, Ardise (Creasy) Rawlins of San Diego and Winston Rawlins of Austin, Tx; nine grandchildren, Steven Moore of Houston; Kenneth and wife Sarah Moore of Newport News, Va., Danedri and husband Joe Herbert and Drew Thompson of Gardner, Ben Adams of Shippensburg, Pa., Whitney Adams of Silver Springs, Md., Wesley and wife Emma Vaughn of Hutchison, and James (Pete) Hutcherson of Hutchinson, and Jonathan Gillespie of Lyons, and four great-grandchildren Morgan, Ella, Isabella and Zachary Moore.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff at Sterling Presbyterian Manor for the thoughtful care she received there and special appreciation to neighbors and good friends, Clarence and Denise Johnson for their many acts of loving kindness.
Visitation will be at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling on Friday, October 30th from 9:00 to 11:00 am.  A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Oct. 30 at the Sterling Cemetery.
Memorials to Presbyterian Manor, Sterling in care of the funeral home.

STERLING – Cosa Mae Vaughn, 96, died Oct. 23, 2015, in Sterling. Born Dec. 25, 1918, to Benjamin and Leona (Martin) Rawlins. Survivors: four siblings; five children; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Sterling Cemetery, Sterling. Memorials to Sterling Presbyterian Manor.

___________________________________________________________________________

Interview with Cosa Mae Vaughn        16 February 1993

Folk History of Sterling Cemetery Colored Section

Ku Klux Klan pushed to have blacks not buried in the cemetery proper.  A man named Watkins owned the area named Potter’s Field to the East fence.  In his will he stipulated that the ground was to be used for burial of colored people at no expense.

Eli Kern and Boydston, uncles of Cosa Mae, marked area into sections with lots. Cosa Mae thinks a formal map did not exist.   BC

Savage,  Derek  J                               husband of Ashley N (Taylor)Savage

Burial Date:  2015,  09/28          Age:  31       Lot:  1084 D

STERLING – Derek Savage, 31, died Sept. 24, 2015. Born Aug. 14, 1984, to Chris and Karen Klassen Savage. Married Ashley Taylor June 4, 2011. She survives. Funeral 10:30 a.m. Monday at United Methodist Church, Sterling. Visitation 2 to 6 p.m. family present 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Memorials: Derek Savage Scholarship Fund or Sterling Fire Department.

DATELINE:  Sterling
NAME:  Derek J. Savage
AGE:  31 yrs
DATE OF DEATH: September 24, 2015
PLACE OF DEATH: Rice County District Hospital, Lyons
DATE OF BIRTH: August 14, 1984
PLACE OF BIRTH: Lyons, Kansas
PARENTS: Chris L. and Karen R. Klassen Savage
RESIDENCE: lifetime Sterling
OCCUPATION: Auto Body Technician for Jeremy’s Body Shop of Sterling
EDUCATION: Graduated Sterling High School in 2003 and received his degree in Auto Body from Hutchinson Community College
MEMBERSHIPS: He attended the United Methodist Church in Alden; Sons of the American Legion; Sterling Fire Department; Ducks Unlimited of Rice County
DATE OF MARRIAGE:  June 4, 2011
PLACE OF MARRIAGE: Alden, Kansas
SPOUSE: Ashley N Taylor
SURVIVORS: his Wife Ashley of the home; Parents, Chris & Karen Savage of Sterling; Brother, Michael & Jennifer Savage of Lyons; Sister, Misty Savage of Sterling; 3 Nephews, Teyton Savage, Jeremiah Clark, Isaiah Clark; 2 Nieces, Nikki Clark & Kayley Clark
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY:  Grandparents, Jim Savage, Carole Workman, Thad & Marilyn Klassen; Uncle, Gary German
FUNERAL SERVICES: 10:30 A.M., Monday, September 28, 2015 at the United Methodist
Church in Sterling
OFFICIATING:  Rev. Rob Bolton
BURIAL: Sterling Community Cemetery
VISITATION: 2:00 to 6:00 P.M., with family present 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling
MEMORIAL: Derek Savage Scholarship Fund or Sterling Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

Proffitt, Jacquelyn  Pauline ‘Jackie’ (Crockett)

Wife of  Verne  Gayle Proffitt

Burial Date:  2015,  09/17        Age:  86         Lot:  963 F

Jacquelyn “Jackie” P. Proffitt, 86, died Sept. 12, 2015, at her home. She was born June 10, 1929, in Omaha, Neb., the daughter of Amos and Ellen (Marker) Crockett.

McMurphy, Darlene Faye (Price) McMurphy

wife of Marvin Herman and  became wife of his brother Glenn William following Marvin’s death

Burial Date:  2015,  08/10      Age: 84        Lot: 890  B

DATELINE:  Sterling, Kansas
NAME:  Darlene Faye McMurphy
AGE:  84 yrs
DATE OF DEATH: August 5, 2015
PLACE OF DEATH: at her home in Sterling
DATE OF BIRTH: July 9, 1931
PLACE OF BIRTH: Mulhall, Oklahoma
PARENTS: Jesse & Ethel Bocox Price
RESIDENCE: longtime Sterling resident
OCCUPATION: retire service coordinator for Contel Telephone Co.
EDUCATION: Graduated from Alden High School in 1948
MEMBERSHIPS: attended the United Methodist Church in Alden, member of Eastern Star
DATE OF MARRIAGE: 1at:  June 1, 1948         2nd.  March 19, 1983
PLACE OF MARRIAGE: 1st. Lyons, Kansas         2nd.  Alden, Kansas
SPOUSE: 1st.  Marvin McMurphy           2nd.  Glenn McMurphy
SPOUSE DECEASED DATE: 1st.  January 29, 1982     2nd.  March 3, 2010
SURVIVORS: 4 Daughters with husband Marvin:

Marlene & Jerry Legleiter, Sterling, Sondra McMurphy,
Pat Lickiss both of Wichita, Cindy & Curt Darling of Alden; Sister, Ada Aufleger of Stillwater, Oklahoma; 23 Grandchildren, 36 Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY:  Parents, Grandsons, Michael Darling and Cutter Proffitt, Granddaughter, Amy Bolton, 5 Brothers and 2 Sisters
SERVICES: 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 10, 2015 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling
OFFICIATING:  Pastor Michael Gray
BURIAL: Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling
VISITATION: 2:00 until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, August 9, 2015 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling
MEMORIAL: Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University, in care of the funeral home.

McAllaster, Vanita Faye  (Johnson)            wife of Daniel Forrest

Burial Date:  2015,  07/06       Age:  89     Lot:  977 F   Crems

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Vanita Faye McAllaster  (Johnson), 89, wife of Daniel McAllaster, formerly from Sterling, Kan., passed away peacefully June 23, 2015, in Beaverton, Ore.

Birth: Aug. 9, 1925 Kansas, USA Death: Jun. 23, 2015 Portland Multnomah County Oregon, USA Wife of Daniel F McAllaster and mother of Donald Forrest and Deborah.Family links: Parents: Earl R Johnson (1896 – 1964) Helen Lucile Culbertson Johnson (1903 – 1987) Children: Donald Forrest McAllaster (1947 – 1987)* Sibling: Richard Earl Johnson (1923 – 2016)* Vanita Faye Johnson McAllaster (1925 – 2015) *Calculated relationship Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?] Created by: Ruth Dowdy-McArthur Record added: Jun 30, 2015 Find A Grave Memorial# 148480622

Hopping, Joan Marie (Tigner)             wife of Jerold Lee ‘Jerry’

Burial Date:  2015,  05/16      Age: 74            Lot:  403  1/2 F

Joan Marie Hopping died May 13, 2015, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born July 17, 1940, in Winterset, Iowa, the daughter of John R. and Marian E. (Tigner) Ross.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Countryside Baptist Church, Hutchinson, with Pastor Ron Kyker presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Countryside Baptist Church or Sterling College, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Mathes, John  LeRoy  ‘Johnnie’           husband of Gail Maureen (?)Moore       dh/?

Burial Date:  2015, 07/20       Age:  73      Lot:  1098 G

DATELINE: Sterling, Kansas
NAME: J.  LeRoy Mathes
AGE: 73
DATE OF DEATH: July 13, 2015
PLACE OF DEATH: University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
DATE OF BIRTH: March 27, 1942
PLACE OF BIRTH: Sterling, Kansas
PARENTS:  John H. and Verdella M. Barnett Mathes
RESIDENCE:  Lifetime Sterling
OCCUPATION:  Farmer, rancher and former feed deliveryman for the Sterling Co-op.
EDUCATION:  Graduated from Sterling High School in 1960 and from Sterling College in 1965.
MEMBERSHIPS:  Heartland Family Fellowship in Sterling.
DATE OF MARRIAGE:  December 27, 1993
PLACE OF MARRIAGE:  Sterling, Kansas
SPOUSE:  Gail Maureen (?) Moore Mathes
SURVIVORS:  His wife Gail of the home; sons, Mark John Mathes of the home, Christopher Mathes of Manhattan, David and Jenee` Mathes of Buhler and children Falyn & Gavin, Travis Mathes;  daughters, Jennifer and David Bisek of Wichita and children Lily, Nathan & Grayson, Windi and Jon Hambrick of Hutchinson and children Malea & daughter Khloe, Shayla, Jadeyn,  Amy Witt of McPherson and children Jon, David, Andrew, Katelynn, Elijah & Joseph, Jocelyn Mathes; sister, Delleta Mantz of Sterling;
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY:  His parents and infant son, John Caleb Mathes
FUNERAL SERVICES:  1:00 P.M., Monday, July 20, 2015 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling
OFFICIATING:  Steve Phinney
BURIAL: Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling
VISITATION: 3:00 to 5:00 P.M., Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling
MEMORIALS: Donors Choice  in care of the funeral home.

Kirchoff, Ricky Lee ‘Rick’          Divorced husband of Tracy A(Tanley)

Burial Date:  2015,  09/05       Age: 52       Lot:  1102 A Crems

Ricky Lee “Rick” Kirchoff, 52, died Sept. 2, 2015. He was born Aug. 22, 1963, the son of Robert and Colleen Bartow Kirchoff. Survivors include: his father; daughters, Kylee Kirchoff and Erin Kirchoff; sisters, Vicky Kirchoff and Kenda Clayton. Graveside Service 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Sterling Community Cemetery. Memorials to Sterling College Athletic Department, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

DATELINE: Hutchinson, Kansas
NAME:  Ricky Lee “Rick” Kirchoff
AGE: 52 yrs
DATE OF DEATH: September 2, 2015
PLACE OF DEATH: Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita
DATE OF BIRTH: August 22, 1963
PLACE OF BIRTH: Sterling
PARENTS: Robert and Colleen Bartow Kirchoff
RESIDENCE:     of Hutchinson since 2010 formerly of Buhler and Sterling
OCCUPATION: He was a Car salesman in Hutchinson
EDUCATION: Graduated Sterling High School in 1982 and received his degree in education from Sterling College
SURVIVORS: 2 Daughters, Kylee Kirchoff, Erin Kirchoff, both of Wichita; Father, Robert Kirchoff, Sterling; 2 Sisters, Vicky Kirchoff, Kenda & David Clayton both of Sterling
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY:  Mother, Colleen Kirchoff;  Grandparents, Kenneth & Selma Bartow and  Louis and Marie Kirchoff
GRAVESIDE SERVICES: 10:00 A.M., Saturday September 5, 2015 at Sterling Community Cemetery
OFFICIATING:  Pastor Brent Warkentin
BURIAL: Sterling Community Cemetery
MEMORIAL: Sterling College Athletic Department in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling