Last Updated 10/12/21
(2)(3)John A. Adair
John Allen Adair was born January 27, 1950 to Rev. James A. and Darlene J (Allen) Adair. John died of cancer on June 19, 1988. He is buried in the Mount Prospect Cemetery, Hickory, Washington County, Pennsylvania.
John been a teacher for 4 years near Kansas City, MO and then later became a dancer with the Carl Ratcliff Dancers (modern dance) of Atlanta, GA. He later moved to New Orleans, LA and worked on the staff of the New Orleans Ballet Co.
Keith Asmus
After graduating from Sterling, I spent two years working as a short-term missionary for African Inland Mission in the inner city of Newark, New Jersey. I met and married my wife Carol in 1973. We have two children Stefanie and Kevin. I spent eight years as a teacher in two Christian schools in the NY/NJ area.
We moved back to Illinois in 1989 to help my mother. My first job in the Quad Cities I wrote curriculum for a drug company designed to reach middle schools and high school students in hopes of reducing substance abuse. After three years I moved to a local blood center and developed a curriculum for middle and high school students encouraging them to become blood donors. There was a lot of success, so we expanded other new programs and visited schools throughout a three-state area. I worked for 21 years at the blood center, retiring in 2015. Carol and I both work with the Awana program and the Children’s Sunday school program in our local church. We also love to visit our five grandchildren.
David Bauer
15 years as a school principal in Kansas
22 years working with Inupiaq children in Wainwright, AK.
wife Carrie- she is a resource teacher at the school in Wainwight still in Wainwright
reside summer in Abilene Ks.
married 33 years, 3 children, 7 grandchildren
come visit us if you would like to meet the Inupiaq people
Rosalie J. (Piper) Bean
After leaving Sterling College in 1971, I worked in Governor Robert Docking’s office. Soon after leaving there I met and married Larry Bean. We have been married 47 years and have two sons and one daughter between us.
I’ve had other wonderful jobs throughout the years including a daycare in my home, doing daycare at the YMCA here in Hutchinson, and working at Home Instead where I care for people more elderly than I am! I still work there after 14 years and usually work 54 hours per week. In my spare time I read, swim, and play scrabble. I have five grandchildren and two step great grandchildren.
I’ve been living the wonderful life – thanks be to God!
Joyce (Orr) Beery
50 years, say it ain’t so, and all this time I’ve lived in the small town of Ingalls, KS America. As I ponder what to share, I feel the befuddling emotions of a student attempting a daunting assignment.
How do you summarize so many years in a few sentences?
I married Dan Beery 10 days after SC graduation and we have two married daughters and five grandlittles. Summer ’71 was full of preparations and nervous anticipation for my first teaching job which started in Aug. I taught in the public school for 6 years, homeschooled for 10 years and returned to public school teaching when we became empty nesters. Substitute teaching allowed me to phase out of education although I still assist in the local homeschool coop. I loved it all, so many opportunities!
Church has been an important part of my life and I was privileged to be a part of planting a Thursday night cowboy church in Ingalls. Gardening & baking have occupied a significant amount of my time through the years. These interests brought requests for wedding rehearsal dinners and funeral dinners - great avenues to serve people with care and kindness during their joyful celebrations and times of painful good-byes.
Hopefully, my endeavors have not been in vain and my students have flourished but, more importantly, I am called to be faithful not successful. It is humbling to reveal how fast I can snap green beans or convert wheat berries from the family farm into homebaked, scratchmade bread (once a farm girl
always a farm girl). My simple life adventures are rich with long-admired people and meaningful moments.
My college friends are treasures. I’m grateful we didn’t possess cell phones or iPads to document dorm shenanigans or deal with c-virus or masks. I’m appreciative of the education and life lessons acquired while at Sterling and for the gift of years that have followed graduation. I feel privileged to be a battle-tested Warrior with 50 years of experience. I’m mindful of classmates who are gone but not forgotten like my roommate, Bonnie Thiessen, and Bill Korf who was a native of Ingalls. It is hard to forget those who gave us much to remember. I am so very grateful to my heavenly Father for protecting and abundantly blessing me through the years and because He is my personal savior, I look forward to spending eternity with Him.
Betty Behnke
former student
Betty earned a certification as a nurse aide and has worked in the nursing field. She has enjoyed working with all kinds of people. Betty currently lives in Hutchinson and received recognition and a plaque for the favorite
“Betty” from Kindred Hospice. She has been involved in nursing since 1981 and attends Salt City Cowboy Church. She is now known by all her “adopted” kids as “Grandma Betty”.
Nancy (Narlee) Brehm
Nancy Louise Brehm, formerly of Mercer, died Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in a medical center in Abilene. She was 60. Mrs. Brehm was born in New Castle, the daughter of Raymond and Dorothy Louise Heck Narlee.
She married Donald Mike Brehm on May 23, 1970, in Mercer, and moved from San Antonio to Abilene 13 years ago.
She had been a test coordinator for five years for Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and later worked for five years for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Most recently, she owned Mini Happy Returns Miniature Horse Farm. Nancy was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Abilene.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Mike Brehm, Abilene; her daughters, Elizabeth Brehm, Abilene; and Amy Kippernes and her husband Stig, Norway; six grandchildren, Ashley Brehm, Shelby Brehm, Nancy Margaret Mae Brehm, Sarah Kippernes, Julia Kippernes and Thomas Kippernes; three brothers, Roger Narlee, New Castle; Ronnie Narlee, Warren, Pa.; and Andrew Narlee, Mercer; and several nieces and nephews.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 S. 14th St., Abilene, TX 79605.
Graveside service at 1 p.m. Wednesday (6-3-09) at Mercer Citizens Cemetery with the Rev. James
Leuenberger, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Mercer, officiating. Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com Interment: Following at Mercer Citizens Cemetery. Arrangements by Cunningham Funeral Home Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
Harry Blice
Harry passed away on November 23, 2006. He was born Harry Edward Blice, Jr on October 3, 1944 in Ohio to Harry Edward and Mary Margaret (Morrow) Blice.
Harry attended and graduated from Sterling College in Sterling, Ks. He graduated in 1971. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Veteran of the Vietnam War.
Harry was a beloved son, brother, father, soldier, and a joy to everyone he met.
Preceded in death by his father, Harry is survived by his loving mother, Mary of Youngstown, OH; his sister, Marlene and her husband Dave Kreps of Hockessin, DE; his dear cousin whom he considered a brother Bill Morrow and his wife Kathy, of Hubbard OH; a son, Jonathan and his wife Cheryl; his daughter, Margaret and her fiancé Derek Mason, all of OKC; and his son Joseph and his wife Jennifer of Plano, TX. He is also dearly missed by his three grandchildren, Jake, Tara, and Elizabeth.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children. His family will receive friends for viewing and visitation on Sunday, Nov 26 from 4 to 7 PM at Vondel L. Smith & Son, 6934 S. Western.
Funeral Services will be held on the morning of Thurs, Nov 30 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Youngstown, OH. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Youngstown, Ohio.
Dennis W. Brewer
Dennis married his college sweetheart, Lorraine Coomber ’71, on August 21, 1970. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Dennis earned his Ph.D. in mathematics. In 1975 he accepted a position in the
mathematics department at the University of Arkansas where he still teaches today. During this time he has had visiting appointments at Virginia Tech University, NASA Langley Research Center, and the National Center for Toxicological Research. He has held administrative posts at the University of Arkansas in research development and as director of campus information technology. He enjoys singing in community choirs and pedaling his bicycle on the trails in Northwest Arkansas. Dennis is active in his local Presbyterian church where is currently Clerk of Session, Bible class teacher, and a member of the choir. Dennis and Lorraine have three married children and six grandchildren.
Lorraine C. (Coomber) Brewer
Lorraine is married to Dennis Brewer and finds great joy in their three children, their spouses, and the six grandchildren now blessing their lives. Lorraine met Dennis the first week of college in calculus class (very romantic, right?) and then again in concert choir. Dennis and Lorraine married on August 21, 1970, and they moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she pursued graduate work in biochemistry. In 1975 she and Dennis moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she continued research in biochemistry before joining the faculty. She continues to enjoy her role teaching chemistry, most often with very large sections of university chemistry, filled with first year students. She has been recognized for her teaching and mentoring at the University of Arkansas, and she served as Co-Director of the “Teaching and Faculty Support Center”, often conducting workshops for faculty and new graduate students. She serves as an academic advisor, on numerous university committees and boards, and as advisor for several registered student organizations. Her leadership roles in Altrusa International at the local, district and international levels provide opportunities to develop new community leadership, partnerships and innovative service while mentoring future leaders. Lorraine is active in their local Presbyterian church with teaching, leadership, ministry team, and musical roles, and especially enjoys teaching young teens in each new confirmation class.
Norman and Cheryl (Stormont) Brown
Norman attended Sterling College his freshman and sophom*ore years, then transferred and graduated from Iowa State in 1971. Cheryl graduated from Sterling College in December 1971. We were married December 30th, 1971. We have lived on the Brown family farm near Aledo, IL our entire married life. We have four children. Our son, Andy, graduated from Sterling College in 1997 and married Lesa Anshutz, also class of 1997. Our oldest daughter, Laura, graduated from Sterling College in 2000. Our other two daughters
graduated from Covenant College, Jenny in 2004, and Emily in 2006. Norman started farming with his father on the family farm in 1972. In 1981 he started FBS Systems, Inc. which publishes accounting and production management software for agriculture. Cheryl supports him in the business as the office manager and in software support. Both are active in Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA). Norm is a ruling elder and adult Sunday school teacher. Cheryl is active in the Women in the Church. We have enjoyed traveling to Kenya, Japan, and Great Britain to visit our children and grandchildren as they have been involved in teaching, or missions overseas. We are blessed with 10 grandchildren ranging from age 1 to 23.
R. Bruce Bryant
R. Bruce Bryant, 64, passed peacefully at home surrounded by members of his family on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. He was born Jan. 12, 1950, in Mount Sterling, KY, was a former 16-year resident of St. Louis and has lived in Libertyville the past 17 years. Bruce was a 1967 graduate of Ezel High School in Kentucky and a 1971 graduate of Sterling College in Kansas. He was employed by the Walgreens Corporation for 42 years, retiring as a Senior Vice President. He was a member of Christ Church in Lake Forest.
Surviving are his wife Barbara Bryant and three daughters, Jennifer (Brian) Drumm of Mundelein, Kristin (Thomas) Parker of North Palm Beach, FL and Megan Bryant of Winter Park, CO; Four grandchildren, Luke, Zach, Connor, and Lilly; his mother, Bernice Bryant of Frenchburg, KY; sisters, Wanda, Margaret and Anita and brothers, Harold, Ival, Edward and Merle. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Bryant and by his brother, Donald.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home Ltd., 120 W.
Park Ave. (Route 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave.), Libertyville.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Christ Church, 100 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. A worship service will also be held on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at the Bethel Baptist
Church in Frenchburg, KY with interment following in Ezel Cemetery.
Kathie (Laszewski) Buchak
Kathie J. Buchak, of Endicott, NY, 66, fell asleep on the morning of Saturday, September 26, 2015, and passed away peacefully at home after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Kathie graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1966. She then attended SUNY Cortland and Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas. She returned to Endicott in 1970 and began working as a teaching assistant for the Union-Endicott School District and spent the rest of her career split between Union-Endicott High School and Jennie F. Snapp Middle School. Kathie was known as an avid reader and was lucky enough to spend her time with the Union-Endicott School District in the library system.
Kathie was preceded in death by her mother, Georgianna Storm and her stepmother, Laurilla J. Laszewski.
She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Michael D. Buchak; her beloved son, David R. Buchak and wife, Amanda L. Buchak; her grandchildren, Adriana and Drew Buchak; father, Joseph A. Laszewski and his brother, Raymond; brother, Joey Laszewski; cousin, Barb Cieri; cousins, Debbie and Michelle Wheatley;
cousins, Tim and Kim Weslar, and their son, Logan (Port Orange, Florida); cousin, Kelly and her son, Zachary Hurse (Ormands, Florida); cousins, Walter Wheatley and Matthew Leverone (San Francisco, California); special family friends, Karen and Jim Stiles; and her Thursday night dinner club members, Joan Curtin, Lori Saraceno, and Bobbi Hover.
Her family would like to thank all of the care providers at Lourdes Hospital and Hospice for their help and support.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday evening from 5-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider making a donation to a charity of one's choice in Kathie's name.
Sheryl (Rudy) Carter
former student
Sheryl Ann Rudy was born July 21, 1949 in Syracuse, Kansas, to Helen and H. Milton Rudy. She was welcomed home by two older brothers, Nelson and Royce. She died of complications from coronavirus on Oct. 6 in Olathe at the age of 71 -- and was once again welcomed home by her parents and brothers. Sheryl was joined by her baby sister Jerri Rudy (Meyer) in 1955.
In high school, she excelled in twirling, cheer, and singing. She starred in the musical Amal and the Night Visitors as a senior. Sheryl loved to be a lifeguard and helped so many children learn to swim. She graduated from Syracuse High School in 1967 and attended Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, graduating with an associate’s degrees in vocal performance and bookkeeping. She married Glenn Hess in 1969 and had two daughters, Andrea in 1970 and BriAnne in 1974.
She lived and worked in Syracuse from the 70s to 90s as a bookkeeper for the Valley State Bank and Bear Creek Feeders. She married Dennis Carter in 1979, adding stepsons Erin and Kyle Carter to the family. In addition to working, Sheryl enjoyed helping her father and husband on the family farm. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and conducting the bell choir. She was a member of the Chapter AI P.E.O. of Syracuse. She supported her children in their various sports and activities -- always cheering in the stands or audience.
In 1999, Sheryl and Dennis moved to Marietta, Ga. to enjoy a life of retirement before they retired. She loved getting away from the chill of the Kansas winters, but never hesitated to put thousands of miles on their car to travel back to see each grandchild be born and spend time with family. In Marietta, Sheryl worked in resident life at Kennesaw State University until she retired in 2017. She remained active in church life as a member of East Cobb Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Ga.
She continued her love of music by singing in community choir and participating in bell choirs. She and Dennis fulfilled several bucket list items in the past few years, such as traveling to Europe, Hawaii, Jerusalem, and Alaska. She lived a lifetime dream a few years ago by swimming with dolphins while in Mexico. She loved to play games, put together puzzles, play piano and harmonize with family around the piano during the holidays.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many. She will be remembered and missed. She is survived by husband Dennis, Marietta, Georgia, sister Jerri Meyer (Mitch), Bartlesville, Okla., and four children, Andrea Wood, Council Bluffs, Iowa, BriAnne Chayer (Monty), Linn Valley,Kansas, Erin Carter (Chris), Dighton, Kansas, and Kyle Carter, Fort Collins, Colorado, her nine grandchildren, Sydney Lyman (Kevin), Ottawa, Kansas, Erica and Blake Carter, Lakin, Kansas, Gina Martin (Shane), Jewell, Kansas, Payton and Alyson Wood, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mikayla Carter, Fort Collins, Colorado, Rex Chayer, Linn Valley, Kansas, Jacob West, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and three great grandsons Brennan and Hayden Lyman, Ottawa, Kansas, and Vincent Martin, Jewell, Kansas. Sheryl was preceded in death by two brothers, Rolan Royce and Nelson Earl, her parents.
Beverly “Bev” Charles
I have always appreciated the education I received at Sterling College and the many friends I made while studying there. In my life so far, I have used my double major in English and Psychology, as well as the minor in Education with which I graduated. I very glad that Sterling College is more intentionally Christian than it was in 1971, but I also benefitted from spiritual encouragement in my years on campus.
My first 10 years after graduating from Sterling, I was a social worker at Salem Children’s Home in Flanagan, Illinois, which was affiliated with the Evangelical Mennonite Church (now known as the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches). I also was active in the Salem EMC congregation, as well as serving as softball coach for the girls’ team at the children’s home. The next 10 years I worked for a retail company called K’s
Merchandise, starting in Normal, Illinois, with my last 5 years in the company serving as Human Resources Manager in the Peoria, Illinois store.
In the early 1990’s I began to sense that God was calling me into overseas mission service. In 1993 I was appointed by Greater Europe Mission to serve in Romania. I have been in Sibiu, Romania since the fall of 1994. My ministry began as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher, using English as an outreach tool at my Romanian Baptist Church. Shortly after 2001, I began to serve part-time in the Member Care Department. I worked on a Master of Arts degree in Ministry Care for several years at Columbia International University, graduating in 2016. I continue to serve GEM missionaries in Member Care, teach a little bit of English, and have also worked with former orphan girls who are now on their own as adults. If God allows, I plan to serve overseas until the end of 2022.
Robert “Bob” Collins ’71
Robert Henry Collins (Bob), 72, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Morris County Hospital after a courageous five year battle against cancer. He was born on March 6, 1949 to Don R. and Lucille (Ifland) Collins at Belleville, Kansas. He attended elementary school in Prairie Village, Kansas and Jr High and High School in Salina, Kansas, graduating in 1967. During those years he was active in the scouting program and was an Eagle Scout.
At Sterling College he met Mary Neuschwander and they were married on May 23, 1970. They have three sons: John, Jess and Zac. Bob graduated from Sterling with a bachelor's degree in history and secondary education. He would further his education by receiving a Master's degree in History from Emporia State University.
Bob and Mary moved to Council Grove, Kansas in July of 1972 where he taught social studies, drivers education, and coached football at Council Grove High School for eleven years. He began his career as a Financial Advisor for Waddell and Reed Financial Services in 1980 and served in that capacity for 41 years until his death.
Bob enjoyed being active in the community and served as a volunteer in a variety of areas including: Hospital Foundation (33 .years), Relay for Life, 4-H Photography leader, Extension Council, Voices of the Wind People Pageant, Washunga Days, and more. He was an active member and officer in the Kiwanis and Masonic organizations. Bob was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and provided leadership on a variety of the church's boards and committees for almost 50 years.
Bob had a passion for photography and especially enjoyed taking pictures of sporting events at CGHS for the Council Grove Republican which provided him the opportunity to combine his love of sports and
photography plus support and encourage the young athletes. He also enjoyed landscape photography and capturing the beauty of the Flint Hills in his photographs. His camera always accompanied him and Mary on their travels to Washington, D.C., Morocco, London, France, Kenya, Amsterdam, and family gatherings to record their experiences and provide visual memories of their adventures.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don R. and Lucille Collins and his wife's parents, John and Ocie Neuschwander.
He is survived by his wife Mary, sons John (Jennifer), Abilene, KS, Jess (Anna), Lenexa, KS, and James Zac (Marie), France and his cherished grandchildren; Elizabeth, Ava, Capri, Marcel, Felix, and Albert who always brought a smile to his face! He is also survived by his brother Barry (Linda) Collins, Salina, KS, brother-in-law Taylor (Cindy) Neuschwander, Tulsa, OK, and sister-in-law, Ginger (Ron) Foos, Tribune, KS and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on July 19, 2021 at the Council Grove Dunlap United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m.
Maurice Coulter
For 50 years I have lived at Milton, Kansas. I have been married to Carol for forty-five years and we have two children and a granddaughter. I owned and operated a petroleum business, Suppesville Fuel LLC, for forty-four years before retirement in 2020. My hobby (vice) is flying our airplane as often as the friendly skies allow.
Albert “Del” D’Alessandro
Albert "Del" D'Alessandro, 60, of North Charleston, S.C., died Thursday, November 26, 2009, in South Carolina.
Albert was born in Pottsville and raised in Minersville. He was a son of Constance Willinsky D'Alessandro, Mount Carbon, and the late Armond D'Alessandro.
He was a 1967 graduate of Minersville High School and attended Sterling College, Kansas.
He enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict and spent his 20-year career in the Submarine Service, retiring in 1988 as a chief machinist's mate. He subsequently settled with his family in North Charleston, where he was a maintenance supervisor for multi-family properties.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 38 years, the former Pat Orlick; three children, Armond D'Alessandro, Birmingham, Ala., Tracy Lyn, wife of Tim Segrest, Birmingham, and Adam D'Alessandro and his wife, Kacie, Christiansburg, Va.; two grandchildren, Joseph and Holly D'Alessandro; two sisters, Diana, wife of John Consugar, Seltzer, and Judith, wife of Jerome Strokelitus, Mount Carbon; paternal uncles and aunts, Greg and Yolanda Volkay, Minersville, and Dominick and Ann D'Alessandro, Palo Alto; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Dutcavich Funeral Home, Minersville. Relatives and friends may call from 6 p.m. today and from 6 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family prefers contributions for lung cancer research be made to the American Cancer Society. Interment with military honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Linda (Partington) Danzis
A memorial graveside service was held Thursday at the Sterling Cemetery for Linda Lou Danzis, 29, Springfield, Mo., a former Salina resident.
Mrs. Danzis was born Aug. 28, 1949, in Sterling. She died of cancer Sept. 17 in Springfield where she had lived the last 3 ½ years. She was a fourth grade teacher in nearby Billings, Mo. In 1971 and 1972 she was registrar at Marymount College and later taught school at Minneapolis.
Surviving are her husband, Brian (Brian Daniels, a former Salina radio announcer); her parents, Mr. And Mrs.
Lyle Partington, Sterling, and a brother, Curtis Partington, Bethesda, Md.
The family requests memorials to the American Cancer Society.
Jane (Milligan) Davidson
In July 1971, following graduation in May, Ken Davidson and I were married in Sterling. Four days prior to our wedding I signed a teaching contract for a 6th grade job in Hutchinson, KS. I taught five years and then stayed home for the next 12 years with the arrival of our one daughter, Tricia. Ken was working as a social worker in Reno County and retired from state government after nearly 44 years of service.
We have both had the opportunity to hold a variety of positions in our church beginning as jr.-sr. high youth group sponsors as newlyweds.
While being an at-home mom, I enjoyed a variety of 6-7 volunteer projects. As Tricia began middle school I began several years of substitute teaching, which included classes from kindergarten to seniors in high school.
I then went back to full-time teaching fifth grade for the next 14 years. When I retired, I had the privilege of providing elementary math support and substitute teaching for the next four years.
Tricia also graduated from Sterling, and then attended Wichita State University for her physician assistant degree. She returned to Hutchinson to a position in the Pulmonology department at the Hutchinson Clinic.
Her husband, Daniel Gilligan, came to Hutchinson from NE Kansas upon his completion of his law degree, served as Assistant District Attorney and is currently the Magistrate Judge in Reno County.
They have blessed us with our two adorable grandsons. Zachary is now a delightful 6-year-old and in 1st grade. Ian is a lively 3-year-old with whom we have the fun of spending every Tuesday and Thursday. What a blessing to have them in town with us!
Ken grew up on a farm in western Reno County and has continued to spend time and energy maintaining a portion of his family’s farm raising wheat. Consequently, Tricia and I get to be the “official” truck drivers during harvest each summer hauling wheat to the elevator.
Ken and I have enjoyed some traveling since retirement and prior to COVID, but this summer’s highlight was the celebration of our 50th anniversary with close family and friends in July.
Ray Farag
Rumor has it that when Ray first came to Kansas to attend Sterling College, he got off the train and thought he had gotten off at the end of the world. He packed his bags to go back home for good at Christmas break but decided to stick it out.
After graduating from Sterling College, Ray married Sue Myer ’73. He taught and coached at Sterling High School for several years prior to moving to the Goddard and Wichita school districts where he taught high school social studies and coached. While he did coach some basketball and wrestling, Ray mainly coached football for over 35 years. He earned his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Oklahoma State University. In his later years with the Wichita School District, he moved into administration, working on curriculum and instruction. Ray helped develop database software to track student population for public school systems.
On October 29, 2020, Sue lost her 5-year battle with cancer. They were blessed with 48 years of marriage along with three children, sons Mike and Matt and daughter, Michelle, and three grandchildren, Selah, Justus, and Myers.
Ray retired this past year after 50 years in education. He is currently an adjunct professor at Wichita State. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Sterling College since 2007. Ray and Sue have been active in
Pathway/Westlink Church for over 35 years.
Marty and Marsha (White) Ferrick
We got married in November right after graduation. Marty had been drafted in the army by then and went to Korea for 13 months. While in Korea he earned a black belt in Tae Kwando which has served him well. He now has a 10th degree black belt and still teaches in our local recreation center. Marty began his career at the YMCA in Mansfield, Ohio as Physical Director. That led us to Ft. Lauderdale where he was the Executive Director of the Y until he completely switched careers and had his own Allstate Insurance office for over 30 years. Marsha was an elementary teacher for 37 years. It was a job she loved and perfect for a mother. We have one daughter, Ginger, and one granddaughter, Kimber. We both retired in 2010. We now spend a lot of our time outdoors and take advantage of all Florida has to offer. Marsha loves to relax in the yard, read, and play with our dog. Marty enjoys golf and pickle ball with friends and neighbors.
We are grateful to Sterling College for giving us the foundation and credentials to be successful in our occupations. We are grateful to Sterling College for blessing us with lifelong friends. We are most grateful to Sterling College and fate for giving us each other.
Darrel Gee
After my graduation in 1971, Ann Ratekin ’72 and I got married and I began working for Sterling College as an Admissions Counselor. I worked for the college one year as Ann completed her senior year at Sterling. After her graduation, I returned to classes for one semester and completed my student teaching.
I began teaching in Moscow, Kansas in January 1973 and taught K – 12 Vocal Music and grades 5 – 8 instrumental music. Our first daughter, Angela, was born in 1974. In August 1975, we moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas, where I taught High School instrumental music and assisted with the Junior High program.
In November, 1979, I began my career as an insurance agent with State Farm Insurance Companies in Great Bend, Kansas. Our second daughter, Teresa, was born in 1982. Ann worked for an oil field company which was later purchased by a much larger corporate company. In January 1989, we both transferred with our jobs to Oklahoma City. We remain in Oklahoma City and I will begin my 42nd year with State Farm on November 1, 2021.
Our family has now grown to include three granddaughters and one son-in-law. We are lucky to have both our daughters living in the Oklahoma City metro area. We spend our weekends at a campground in southern Oklahoma relaxing and getting away from the city. My sister Carol also owns a lot at the same campground.
Sunday afternoons and nights after work are spent on the golf course with Ann (who drives the golf cart). On some days our daughters and son-in-law join us.
In August, Ann and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in a weekend full of surprises beautifully planned by our daughters. Events included a minor league baseball game, an afternoon in Scissortail Park and a dinner with family, friends, and former college classmates.
Joseph Gregory
Joseph W. Gregory, 64 of Plano, Texas passed away peacefully on September 19, 2013, after a long battle with cancer.
Joe was born on May 13, 1949, in Pottsville, PA to Robert and Eleanor Gregory. Joe attended Minersville Area High School where he played football and was active with his local Boy Scout troop. He attended Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Joe was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and held the honor of being a 4th degree Knight. Joe was an employee of Hibernia National Bank and Capital One for over 20 years.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eleanor, and a son, Geoffrey Robert Gregory.
Joe is survived by Mary F. Gregory, his beloved wife of 35 years, a daughter, Catherine Marie Buffa of Covington, LA, his son Paul Lewis Gregory of Kiln, MS and his son Michael Joseph Gregory of Plano, TX.
A rosary and memorial service will be held on October 5th, 2013, at 10am at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Plano, TX. Interment will be in the near future in New Orleans following a memorial service over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. In lieu of flowers, donations to Unchained Ministries
www.livingwaterschurch.org would be appreciated.
Robert “Griff” Griffin
Even while courageously battling lung cancer, Robert Allen "Griff" Griffin remained fun-loving and fun- giving as well as a source of great strength. He labeled each more daunting challenge "just another bump in the road" as he continued to focus on the needs and interests of family, friends, and caretakers.
A loving and proud husband, father and grandfather, Griff died at his Anchorage home on Jan. 6, 2011.
He was born in Rochester, Pa., on May 27, 1949, and moved to Alaska in 1983 after residing in Boulder, Colo. He married his soulmate, Judith Fuerst Griffin, on Nov. 25, 1988.
Griff graduated from New Brighton High School in 1967 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Sterling College, Sterling, Kan., which he attended on a football scholarship.
An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Griff also enjoyed hunting and fishing, walking with his dogs, and visiting friends and family. His final role during more than 25 years of working on the North Slope was instrument technician supervisor for CH2M Hill Energy. Previous occupations included ironworker and bar manager.
Griff will be remembered for his playfulness, huge heart, big laugh, bear hugs and gentle eyes. His generous and caring nature earned him many enduring friendships, and his honesty, integrity and genuine concern distinguished him as a coworker and boss. His love for, pride in and commitment to his wife and family are well known.
Griff is survived by his wife, Judith Ann; son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Dominique Griffin of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Kimberly Griffin of Beverly Hills, Calif.; granddaughters, Lennon, and Gianna Griffin of San Diego; mother, Wanda Griffin of San Diego; and sister and brother-in-law, Karen, and Donald Krause of San Diego. Griff was also close to his sisters-in-law, their spouses, and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Coast International Inn in Anchorage.
A memorial service will also be held Feb. 5 in San Diego, Calif. Contact ragriffin@alaska.net for more information.
Memorial donations are suggested to Rexanna's Foundation for Fighting Lung Cancer, P.O. Box 328,
Mansfield, TX 76063, or online at www.rexannasfoundation.org; or Simonton Cancer Center, P.O. Box 6607, Malibu, CA 90264, or online at www.simontoncenter.com.
Walter “Chuck” Gustitus
Walter “Chuck” Gustitus, 49, of 7724 13th Avenue NW, Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Minerville, died Sunday, June 20, 1999, at Blake Medical Center, Bradenton.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of Julia Eckert Gustitus, Hamburg, and the late Walter Gustitus.
He was a 1967 graduate of Minersville High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Sterling College and his master’s degree from Fort Hays University, both of Kansas.
He was a drug and alcohol substance abuse counselor and was certified by the Board of Association of Florida.
He was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church, Minersville, and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bradenton, where he taught Sunday school and served on the board of the Church Learning Center.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, the former Mary A. Hurley; two daughters, Kimberly and Kristin, both of Bradenton; a sister, Faith Welker, Hamburg; a brother, William L., West Dundee, Ill; nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from Zion Lutheran Church, Minersville, with the Rev. Willard Uhler officiating.
Interment will be in Mount Peace Cemetery, Branch Township.
Alfred Russell Heasty
Alfred Russell Heasty, Jr., 65, of Lafayette, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at Rosewalk Village.
Born July 13, 1948, in Holland, MI, married Romona Abshire Aug. 25, 1983, divorced 2005; he was the son of the late Alfred Russell and Audrey Fern (Christy) Heasty. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy. Alfred retired from the U.S. Post Office after 30 years. He enjoyed leather work999ing and watching movie.
Surviving are his siblings, Paul Heasty (wife, Susan) of Lafayette, Rita Chee of Portland, OR., Dennis Heasty (wife, Char) of Summerfield, FL, Dona Brown of Bloomington, IN, and James Biel, of Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Heasty.
Thoughts of my oldest nephew from my oldest sister by Elinore Rodgers. Russ had a special energy delivered with a wide beautiful smile which meant to me to be truly caring and giving. He demonstrated it in many aspects of his life. Such a fixer from a light bulb to electronics delivered with a reserve of faith. He depended on his heavenly father.
Thoughts of my oldest brother from the youngest. My big brother was a giant in stature, and he was caring, lovable, and humble. In a way, I wish he could have been closer to my boys, to this day they always ask about him.
I thank God for my big brother Russ, he always protected me from my other big brother.
Private family service. Hippensteel Funeral Home is entrusted with care.
Mary (Hurley) (Gustitus) Hicks
Wow, 50 years seems like forever ago and only like yesterday.
Chuck and I started our life together the day before graduation. As many of you, little did we know what a roller coaster ride we were beginning.
We moved to Pennsylvania where we became house parents at Bethany Children’s Home. We then came back to Kansas where Chuck was a counselor for St. Francis Boys Home in Ellsworth. (Joe Gregory also worked at St. Francis with Chuck.) Chuck went on to get his Masters from Fort Hays University.
We had our two girls while we were in Kansas: Kimberly, and then 5 years later, Kristin. They are both fortunate to be ‘stay at home moms’ and home school their children, which grandma is very thankful for.
Our final destination was Florida. Chuck accepted a position as a drug and alcohol counselor for adolescent boys. This is what Chuck was meant to do. He loved his job at Manatee Palms as much as the position at St.
Francis. He accepted positions in the administration level but he was happiest when he was working with the boys.
I worked at various jobs to help with finances. My dream job came when I became a guardian for the elderly.
(The stories I could tell.) After Lutheran Services closed the Manatee office I worked for a bank. I was able to work my way up to assistant branch manager, which is all the higher I wanted to go. The bank is where I met my present husband, Donnie. After 11 years of widowhood I was a wife again. This took some adjustment for me after being on my own and making all the decisions.
I retired from the bank in 2012. I remember my mother saying she was businer after she retired than when she worked, and well, that’s me. It’s fun to be able to do what I want. I enjoy my children and seven grandchildren. (one more grandchild came to us in July)
The Lord has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you Jesus.
Wish I could have been there.
Have a wonderful time!
Mary Hicks
Lloyd Hull
Lloyd Dean Hull, 66, Topeka, passed away October 7, 2015, at his home.
Lloyd was born February 22, 1949, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Chester and Sybil (Noe) Hull. He earned his BS in Political Science from Sterling College, his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and his Juris Doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law.
Lloyd always had a strong involvement in politics beginning with his volunteering in 1968 for Bobby Kennedy's campaign. Lloyd was waiting outside the hotel for Sen. Kennedy to exit when it was announced that he had been assassinated. Lloyd was involved with the Shawnee County Democrats including service as Chair.
Lloyd worked for Methodist Youthville in Dodge City, Kansas and as a social worker in McPherson for Social and Rehabilitation Services. After earning his law degree, he served as a Governor's Fellow in 1985 under John Carlin. In 1986, Lloyd was employed by SRS Central Office in Topeka as a staff attorney until his retirement in 2010. Following retirement, Lloyd briefly worked for Valeo Behavioral Services.
While living in Dodge City, Lloyd was involved in community theater. He was a lifelong reader and bibliophile, particularly of science fiction, the works of Robert Heinlein most of all.
Survivors include Lloyd's sons, Matt and John Hull, and former wives, Carolyn Hull, and Dee Hull. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Patrick Hull.
A Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2015, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Valeo Foundation, 5401 SW 7th Street, Topeka KS 66606.
Merlin “Curly” Jackson
Jackson, Merlin L. "Curly," 54, auctioneer and sheep buyer, died Sunday, March 23, 2003. Service 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Abbyville Community Center, Abbyville. Survivors: stepbrother, Bobby Jones, Abbyville; half-brother, Edward Jackson, Hutchinson; two half-sisters of Nevada.
Cheryl (Bramley) Jones
Cheryl Jones, 70, died Friday, November 2, 2018, at Mennonite Friendship Communities. She was born August 4, 1948, in Hutchinson, to Harold and Lois (Kitch) Bramley.
She graduated from Fairfield High School and attended Hutchinson Community College, Sterling Community College, McPherson Community College. She continued her education and received her special education degree. Cheryl was a schoolteacher for 29 years in the Hutchinson area. She was also a member of Fairview United Methodist Church.
On April 21, 1984, she married Raymond Jones in Hutchinson. He survives.
Cheryl is survived by husband, Raymond Jones of Hutchinson; daughters, Stephanie Norquist of Hutchinson and Denise Hardy and husband Travis of Edgerton; sister, Nancy Hiebert of Lawrence; aunt, Maxine
England of Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Dick Jones, and wife Mattie of Sterling; sister-in-law, Alverna Jones of Hays; nieces; nephews; and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at Elliott Mortuary with Pastor Keith Dellenbach officiating. A family visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Elliott Mortuary. Burial will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cheryl Jones Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Jeri (Ramsay) Joseph
A year after graduation, I decided to go for X-Ray Technologist Training at Wesley Hospital in
Wichita. Upon completion of the program, I worked at St. Catherine’s Hospital for 5 years in Garden
City. In 1979, I moved to Denver and accepted a position as an X-Ray Tech at St. Luke’s Hospital. I worked in various X-Ray positions for the remainder of my career and retired in 2014. I met my husband at a Thai restaurant in Denver and we have been married for 39 years. We have one son, Mark, age 29.
Hobbies: Mosaic and stained glass
Larry Kent Kilmer
former student
Larry Kent Kilmer, passed away at the age of 67, at his home in the mountains of Colorado. Born in Winfield, KS, on Jan. 26, 1949, he was the second son of Kent Robson and Zoreda Mae Kilmer. He was raised in the small town Claflin, KS, coming from a lineage of farmers, educators and soldiers. Despite the devastating loss of his father to a brain tumor in 1963, he continued to excel in school academically and athletically. He was a star athlete in high school. By his senior year, he was quarterback of the varsity football team, valued guard of the basketball team, and recognized in pole vaulting in track and field. After graduating Claflin High School in 1967, he attended Kansas State University before enrolling in Pittsburgh State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics in 1971.
A Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, he served during the Vietnam War and was awarded The Joint Service
Accommodation Medal. He served his nation with fortitude, honor and a great sense of duty. While stationed in Washington, D.C., he met his former wife, friend and mother to his two boys, Kathleen (Wilkins) Gabel.
His Naval career took him across the country to California, later returning to the East Coast upon his
Honorable Discharge in 1978. He accepted a position with Harris Corp. in 1979, relocating to Palm Bay, FL.
He left the company to join a group of colleagues forming Computer Science Innovations (CSI) also based in Palm Bay, where he worked as Senior Software Engineer for over 15 years. His work continued after leaving CSI as an independent contractor prior to his retirement in 2010.
After retiring, he began to express his creative side learning to cook. Larry was a kind man, carrying with him the small town mentality of Claflin everywhere he went. Despite his dizzying intellect, he was a simple man who never wanted for much except to do all in his ability, to care for those he loved. He had a generous heart and kind disposition. As a father to two boys, he could be found hollering down the chimney as Santa Claus to them on Christmas Eve. He was an extraordinarily gifted engineer with a progressive way of thinking. He found immense enjoyment working with electronics, especially robotics and could spend hours calculating how to make something work or discovering how it already did. His smile and laugh were infectious, his love was genuine. He will be forever remembered for his intelligence, sense of humor, strong moral fiber, steadfast nature and the love he gave so freely to the people in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kent and Zoreda Kilmer; step-father Edward Schultz.. Larry is survived by his sons, Lance Kent (Pauline) Kilmer of Athens, GA; Kyle Eugene Kilmer of Center, ND;
brother Carl James (Sharon) Kilmer of Halifax, NS; step-brother Gwen (Leanna) Schultz of Selden, KS. Larry will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Dorothy (Elmore) Kimble
Dorothy Mary Kimble, 90, died June 6, 2010. She was born May 4, 1920, to Harvey and Elizabeth Aelmore Elmore.
On Jan. 24, 1942, she married Chester Kimble. He survives.
She was an elementary teacher in Ellinwood, Nickerson, and Alden. She retired after 17 years in Ellinwood.
She was also a piano teacher.
Survivors include: her husband, Chester Kimble of the home; sons Dr. James (Jan) Kimble of Birmingham, Al., Kirk (Virginia) Kimble of Wichita; daughter Kathy (Harold) Harris of Winfield; brother Paul (Carolyn) Elmore of McPherson; sisters Virginia Allen of Clearwater, Fla., Pauline (Jimmie) Schnorr of Bethany, Okla.;
seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one step-grandson; two step-great-grandsons.
Funeral 10:30 a.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church, Ellinwood. Visitation 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, with the family receiving friends from 6 to7 p.m. Burial in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Memorials to Ellinwood United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.
William “Bill” Korf
William Carl "Bill" Korf died peacefully at home on April 11, 2019, in Canon City, CO at the age of 69. Bill was born on June 28, 1949, in Garden City, KS to Jim and Virginia (Thomas) Korf. He graduated from Ingalls High School in Ingalls, KS in 1967. He married Mary Rector, his college sweetheart, in 1970, and over the next 14 years, they had five daughters. He graduated from Sterling College in Sterling, KS in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
He taught school and coached various sports in Jennings, KS and Ensign, KS, before attending seminary at Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, MO. For the next 36 years, he worked for Village Missions, pastoring three churches: Philipsburg, MT, Oakley, KS, and Cotopaxi, CO. He retired to Canon City, CO in 2016.
Bill lived his life with the goal of "preaching the Word and loving the people." He never met a stranger and was very involved in his communities. Sports were always an important part of his life, whether playing, watching, coaching, refereeing, or talking about and sharing his memories of them. His story-telling abilities and outgoing spirit were loved by all.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mary; his five daughters Carrie (Jeremy) Luce of Raytown, MO, Rebecca (Collin) Grant of Colorado Springs, CO, Melissa (Luke) Heim of Cherokee, OK, Paula (Christopher) Bertolino of Coaldale, CO, and Heather (Tony) VanHorn of Colorado Springs, CO; his eighteen grandchildren; his five brothers and sisters Jim (Gail) of Colorado City, CO, Ina Smith of Penrose, CO, Cliff (Lavetta) of Firth, NE, Dinah (Rob) Eden of Caney, KS, and Nina (Vaughn) Nash of Dodge City, KS; his foster brother, Ernie (Janice) Bigelow of Gordon, NE; and his stepfather, Don Melton, of Dodge City, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Bill donated his body to Science Care. A memorial service is scheduled for May 4, 2019, at 2:00 pm, at the Cotopaxi High School Gymnasium, Cotopaxi, CO. Pastor Larry Weaver and Pastor Jim Karg will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend. If you choose to make a donation in Bill's name, please consider Village Missions (villagemissions.org) or Fremont Regional Hospice (fremontregionalhospice.com).
Marjorie (DeVries) Kraushaar
After graduation, I taught 4 years of English & Math at Central Christian Junior High & High School in Hutchinson, Kansas. Married Tom Kraushaar (Class of ’72) in 1972.
In 1975, Tom & I moved to rural Warsaw, Illinois, and had our first daughter, Susan, in December. Daughter Katie & son David followed in 1977 & 1980.
Active as a farm wife, in churches & Bible studies, and home schooling six students, substitute teaching for 25 years, and tutoring many community students in high school & college courses.
We have many blessings & I am grateful for the memories of Sterling College & the life-long friends I made there.
Carol (Wyatt) Kruse
There is no way to sum up 50 years in a short way, so I'll say that my life is richly blessed with family, friends, and church. Lonnie and I are blessed with 4 daughters and son-in-laws and 13 grandkids!! The best part is that all 4 families are now living in Sterling, so I have many school activities, music programs, ball games, summer activities, baby sitting and taxi opportunities, sleep overs - you name it, and with kids aged 7-24 and busy at every level, elementary through college and beyond, I am busy and fortunate to be here where I can attend, support, and enjoy. We are a sports family, so that means year round games :)
Lonnie and I both retired in 2014 - I had taught middle school in Lyons for 20 years, health, wellness, and FACS. I really did enjoy those years, but I'm also thankful to be out of the education mess now. However, I also greatly appreciate all that our teachers are doing today to be the "everything" for kids everywhere.
I am still playing at our church - organ and piano. Each day I am thankful to live here in small town, fresh air, Sterling!! My family, together with Dixie's families, continue to get together to celebrate holidays and fun together with lots of good eats!
Lonnie was called home 5 years ago, and there are two things I want to share with others: God's timing is always perfect!! and My God is in control of all things - trust in Him. What a blessed assurance to know we will all be reunited together because we trust in Him as Lord and Savior of our lives!!!
Lonnie Kruse
Lonnie A. Kruse, 67, died Sept. 23, 2016, in rural Ellsworth. He was born Dec. 28, 1948, in Ellsworth, the son of Arthur E. and Helen Louise Hurd Kruse. Lonnie had resided in Sterling since
1981, formerly of Lorraine, Norton, and Kiowa. He graduated from Holyrood High School with the class of 1967, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Sterling College in 1971, and master’s degree from Wichita State University in 1972. He taught at Norton and Kiowa in the public school system from 1972 to 1981. He was Professor of Physical Education, former Athletic Director, and head Women's Basketball Coach at Sterling College from 1981 to 2014. Lonnie was also a lifelong farmer and rancher.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lyons, where he served as usher and was a former Deacon, the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association and was inducted into the Sterling College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. The Sterling College Basketball Court was named in his honor in 2013, the KCAC Coach of the year award was named in his honor in 2014, and in 2015, he was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
He will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in March 2017.
On May 23, 1970, Lonnie was united in marriage with Carol R. Wyatt in Sterling. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include: four daughters, Lisa Surface of Lecompton, Kan., Darci and Jason Briar, Stacie and Jeremy Lewis, and Erin and Rob Newberry, all of Sterling; sister, Dixie, and Jim Swisher of Inman; 13 grandchildren, Seth and Kade Surface, Lucas, Kali and Isaac Briar, Jacob, Kaitlin, Emma and Austin Lewis, Wyatt, Caleb, Colton, and Brooklyn Newberry; eight nieces; two nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at the Sterling College Gymnasium, with Reverend Joel Grizzle officiating. Burial at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at First Baptist Church, Lyons. Memorials may be made to Sterling College Women's Basketball Program or First Baptist Church of Lyons, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
Joyce (Darling) Lewis
Joyce Eileen Lewis, 65, died Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti. She was born Oct. 18, 1948, to Russell & Zita Page Darling in Hutchinson. On June 8, 1974, she was married to Lonnie Lewis in Leoti.
Mrs. Lewis was a 1971 graduate of Sterling College, where she earned a degree in education. She was a resident of Leoti since 1971. She retired from teaching in 2009.
Survivors include her husband; three children, Troy Lewis of Scott City, Russell Lewis of Leoti, Heather Holstein of Scott City; four siblings, Bill Darling of Alden, Dixie Profitt of Sterling, Ronnie Darling of Stanford, Texas, Curt Darling of Alden; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Leoti. Interment will be at the Leoti Cemetery.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti.
Memorials may be given to the Leoti EMT's or The Wichita County Amusem*nt Association in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com.
Ina (Buck) Ling
Services for Ina Ling, 43, of Fayette, were held Saturday, Sept. 26, 1992, at Wesleyan Church, Fayette, with burial in Grandview Cemetery. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ina Ling died Tuesday, September 22, as a result of an automobile accident east of Oran.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Survivors include her husband, Edwin, Jr., Fayette, four children at home, Mary, Edwin III, Jeanette and Daniel; her mother Vardie Buck, Leoti, Kan.; three sisters, Karen Summers, Garden City, Kan.; Berniece Eglitis, Kansas City. Mo. And Royalene Wagner, Lincoln Neb.
SEPTEMBER 23, 1992, Woman killed in accident near Oran. A rural Fayette woman was killed Tuesday morning after she pulled out in front of a seed truck traveling east of Oran, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Ina Jean Ling, 43, was northbound on Fayette County blacktop V-68 at 8:05 a.m. when she failed to stop her van at a stop sign at the intersection of the county road and Highway 3. She was struck broadside by a westbound straight truck driven by Larry Truman, 49, of Seaton, Dl. The truck was hauling bulk and bagged seed. Officials said Truman attempted to miss Ling by turning to the right and braking. The two vehicles collided at the intersection. Truman's truck hit Ling's van broadside, reports showed, "penetrating half the way into the vehicle." Ling was killed on impact. The ISP said Ling's seatbelt "made no difference due to severe impact." Truman was not injured in the accident.
Duncan Long
Duncan Eugene Long, 67, Manhattan, died at the Good Shepherd Hospice House after a brief illness on Friday, December 30, 2016. Duncan was born February 6, 1949, in Smith Center, KS. His parents are Paul F.
Long and Lois Duncan Long of Alden, KS.
Duncan graduated from Alden High School in 1967 and from Sterling College, where he majored in music education, in 1971. While in college Duncan and his sister Jan organized a Christian rock band called the Concrete Rubber Band and performed at various Christian functions and churches. They composed and performed original music for several tapes and a record. Duncan spent three years teaching elementary and high school music in central Kansas and then took off a year to earn a master's degree at KSU in music composition in the field of electronic music, doing what was then pioneer work with the synthesizer. Duncan then took a job teaching 1st through 12th grade music at nearby St. George, KS, where he met his wife-to-be, Margaret Farrell. They were married at Holy Cross Church in Overland Park, KS, on July 23, 1977, to the beautiful strains of wedding music that Duncan had composed for the happy occasion. The couple was blessed with two children, Kristen, and Nicholas.
After their first child was born, Duncan turned to self-employment in two fields in which he had long been interested - writing and art. He first began writing books about guns, especially military weaponry, and one of his books on a specific military weapon was purchased by the Israeli military and used as a manual to teach army recruits.
Duncan next wrote a science fiction novel, Anti-Grav Unlimited, published by Avon Books. He was then contracted by HarperCollins to write a nine-volume action/adventure Night Stalker series, as well as a three- volume series of children's books, Spider Worlds. In his later years Duncan did a great deal of ghostwriting.
By the end of his career, he had authored more than 100 books in total. He also became interested in computer art, and in the last few years designed book covers and illustrations for a wide range of magazines and books. His artwork can be viewed at duncanlong.com.
Duncan was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and shared his love of laughter with everyone he met.
He was a man of good character who tried to live according to Christian principles. He loved his family and delighted in the antics of his three precious little grandchildren. During his final days, he was greatly
anticipating coming face to face with his beloved Savior in heaven.
Duncan is survived by his wife Maggie of the home; son, Nicholas Manhattan; daughter Kristen Geri (Chad), Olathe, and their children Jonathan, Breely and Mia; his parents Paul and Lois Long, Alden; and sister Jan Pauls (Ron), Hutchinson.
Mary (Bleam) Millard
Millard, Mary M., 54, retired Kingman Elementary School para-professional, died Nov. 17, 2003. Service 10 a.m. Thursday, Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman. Survivors: husband, Don; son, Aaron; daughters, Celestia Bennett, Jennifer Cooper; father, Wilbert Bleam; brother, William Bleam; sister, Kathy Bleam; 4 grandchildren.
Richard Malloy
Richard D. Malloy Jr., 48, died Monday, July 1, 1998, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church in Wallingford. The Rev. Joseph Quinn, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
He was born Nov. 29, 1949, in Oneonta, N.Y., son of Richard D. Malloy Sr. and Viola (Davis) Malloy.
Mr. Malloy graduated from Eastport High School in 1967 and Hofstra University in 1972. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. A former resident of Eastport, N.Y., he moved to East Clarendon in 1990.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Privett Malloy of East Clarendon; two daughters, Jacqueline Malloy of Center Moriches, N.Y., and Shannon Malloy of East Clarendon; a son, Richard E. Malloy of Center Moriches; a stepdaughter, Rebecca Hartman of East Clarendon; a stepson, Aaron Hartman of East Clarendon; his mother, Viola Malloy of East Moriches; his maternal grandmother, Ruth Davis of East Moriches; two sisters, Blythe Ann Repp of Speonk, N.Y., and Debra Danowski of Manorville, N.Y.; and several nieces and
nephews.
He was predeceased by his father.
Joel McCrory
Joel L. McCrory, 71 of Aledo, died Sunday, December 6, 2020, at OSF St. Joseph Hospital, Bloomington.
Funeral services will be Thursday at 1:00 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church and will be livestreamed on the Speer Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in McPherren Cemetery, near the family farm, south of Aledo. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Pregnancy Resource Center or
Samaritan's Purse. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo is assisting the family and condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.
Joel Lee was born on April 24, 1949, in Holton, Kansas to Leeland & Peggy (Hedges) McCrory. He married Carolyn Brown on August 7, 1971, at Sunbeam United Presbyterian Church.
Joel farmed with Brown's Forest Home Farms south of Aledo since 1977. He enjoyed running the combine every fall. He previously taught elementary school in Ogallah, Kansas and at Apollo Elementary, Aledo. In his own school days, he holds the record in Kansas State High School Basketball Tournament for free throws and played in 2 state basketball tournaments with his brother, Mark and also played baseball and basketball for Sterling College.
Joel lived his life for the Lord. Each decision he made, he made with the understanding that he was
accountable to God. He shared his love for the Lord with his church family at Trinity Presbyterian Church as an Elder, as a Sunday School teacher and with anyone that needed to talk. Joel was the rock of his family and was a compassionate, understanding, and loving father and grandfather. He loved to make his children, and especially, his grandchildren laugh. He had special nicknames for them all.
Those left to cherish Joel's memory include his wife of 49 years Carolyn; children and spouses: Brett & Jill McCrory of Aledo; Tara Collison of Aledo; Jill & Brandon Hofmann of Aledo and Karen & Mac Johnson of Moline; Grandchildren: Maddie, Kaitlyn, Jocelyn, Patrick, Lucas, Whitney, Leah, Jude, Xavier, Ev, Cort, Hank, Fred, and Jane; Siblings: Mark McCrory of Topeka, KS, and Janet (Ralph) Larson of Tescott, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Joyce (Schlender) McDowell
I began my teaching career in the fall of 1971 at Wilson Grade School (Wilson, Kans.) with my Sterling College roommate, Alice (Fischer) Whitmer, where I taught 2nd grade.
I was K-8 librarian, then taught 5th grade, then 2nd grade at Halstead Grade School, 1975 to 1990.
I was enjoying my career as an elementary teacher and my fellowship at Halstead Presbyterian Church when the Lord had much better plans. In God’s perfect timing he brought Bob McDowell in to my life at HPC.
Bob’s job was in Olathe but he came back to Halstead to visit his family and attended church at PHC. Bob and I were married at Halstead Presbyterian Church in June 1990.
I joined Bob in Olathe where we lived until 1995 when we moved back to Halstead where I worked at The Halstead Bank for 14 years and Bob enjoyed being an electrician in the community where he grew up.
We are now happily retired staying busy with our church, family, friends, the Halstead community, and traveling to national parks. We are enjoying our walk through life with the Lord as the center of our marriage.
The Lord is truly blessing us.
Doris (Woolery) Nichols
Doris Elise Woolery was born on 27 April 1926, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She married Lloyd William Douglas Nichols (Sterling College Business Education Instructor) on 27 December 1948. She died on 27 April 1982, at the age of 56. Doris is buried at the Sterling, Kansas cemetery.
Daryl Nuss
After graduating from SC, I joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU today). I served in Bloomington, IL and Portland, OR before moving to Riverside, CA and eventually Poway (north San Diego) CA to direct various ministries to youth and students. In 1976, I married my wonderful wife Donna. We have two sons: David and Daniel.
While responding to the incredible open doors to schools after 70 years of atheism in Russia (USSR) in 1991, Donna and I were asked by Campus Crusade international leadership to move to Moscow, Russia with our family and a selected team of staff to launch CCC’s youth ministry to schools and cities in the former USSR. After three amazing years, we returned to the USA. The continued openness of schools to our special English Camps allowed us to bring groups of youth and adults to Russia for the next twenty years.
After 2001, I transitioned to the National Network of Youth Ministries where I served as the International Coordinator and eventually as the Executive Director/CEO for almost ten years.
Currently, we are grateful for the health and opportunities to continue serving youth ministry leaders both locally and nationally. Of course, we enjoy the role of being grandparents to our grandson Ollie.
Linda Brownlee Pearson
After college I returned to southern California. Had fun hiking in the Sierra's and can say I reached the top of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48. I worked for the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute Mental Retardation Research Center back in the days when that terminology was used. I taught statistics for teachers at UC Riverside after finishing my Masters in Education (Special Ed research emphasis.). Upon moving to the Boston area, I coordinated low incidence special education programs for a regional collaborative in
Concord. When we moved outside Philadelphia, I worked for a rehabilitation firm, until I had children.
Like my parents and many in my family, I married late and had children later. Being an older mom, and having a husband who worked long hours and traveled a lot, I stayed home to keep things going. Two children, almost 5 years apart, a girl and a boy. I did a lot of mom things, like room mother, field trips, and scouts. My husband got a job in CA and started working in northern California about six months before the family followed. Got a good taste of being a single mom, including being snowed in for most of a week.
We lived in the Bay Area for 10 years where I once again was room mom, volunteer with scouts community and church.
When my husband wanted to retire, we moved to southwest Ohio where his mother was needing family nearby to take care of her. Son started high school and daughter started college. Kids are now beyond college, but I'm happy to see them regularly. They are following in their mother's footsteps and show no sign of marrying yet. I suspect we will stay here in Ohio, as we aren't expecting to move for any more job
changes. I'm still busy with lots of volunteer work and have added a different community project to my resume. I'm involved with the local historical society, have held most of the board positions and now teach some children's history classes, and gardening.
Harold Pitts
Harold Edward Pitts was born February 2, 1942, in Sentinel, Missouri, USA, and died March 26, 1995, in Gibsonton, Florida at the age of 53. Harold is buried in Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, Kansas, USA.
Per information from SterlingCemetery.com, Harold was divorced husband of Antje (Heiden) Linton and Donna (Hasselman) McClure.
