Obituaries

DARLENE SULLIVAN

Darlene Sullivan, 78, of Hillsboro, Ks, went to her heavenly home on June 17, 2023. She was born in Lincoln County, Kansas at her family’s home on August 26, 1944, to Frederick & Esther Coopple. Darlene grew up in McPherson and lived much of her adult life in Salina. She had numerous jobs throughout her life which took her to several states and many interesting places. A few of her jobs included working on a harvest crew, driving a semi-truck, and cooking for college students. Friends and family loved to hear Darlene recount the wild adventures and situations she found herself in. Darlene is survived by her two sisters; Louise Becker of Moundridge, Ks, and Joyce Prigmore of Phoenix, AZ; her two sons Mark Coopple (Kimberly) of Salina, Ks; Danny Brayton (Robin) of McPherson, KS; and numerous extended family members. Darlene was a friend to many. She had a gift for conversations and loved making those around her laugh. She will be greatly missed by many friends and family members. Private family services to be held. Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Ks.

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BETHEL WESTERVELT

Bethel Jane (Tucker) Westervelt, 89, of McPherson, KS, formerly of Pittsburg, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at McPherson Health and Rehab. She was the only child born to Howard and Thelma (Sewell) Tucker, of Independence, on December 2, 1933. She attended Independence High School, graduating in 1951. On July 13, 1952, Bethel married Robert Earl Westervelt.

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BRETT WHITENACK

Brett Whitenack, 60, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Sunday, June 18, 2023, surrounded by family at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis RMC, Wichita. Brett worked full time as a Curator and Director of Daily Operations for the McPherson Museum since 1997. Brett was born on February 22, 1963, in Wichita, KS, the son of William “Bill” H. and Ina Jane (Berry) Whitenack. Brett graduated from McPherson High School in 1981 and later furthered his education at McPherson College, graduating in 2009, with degrees in Biology and Philosophy/Religion. On November 26, 1983, Brett was united in marriage to Jeanne Horn in McPherson, KS. This union was blessed with two children, Jake and Bethany. Since 1980, he was a member of the McPherson Gem & Mineral Club and currently was the web master and historian. He was the Vice President of the Kansas Academy of Science. He attained membership to the Honor Society of the Tri-Beta Biological Science Iota Chapter in 2008. He worked with 4-H Clubs by attending rock field trips and gave talks about rocks and fossils to the schools and clubs around the McPherson area. For many years, he led tours at the McPherson Museum for school kids. Brett received the Burkholder Research Award from McPherson College for outstanding achievement in student research in the Natural Sciences. Survivors include: his loving wife of 39 years, Jeanne of the home; a son, Jake (Sarah) Whitenack of McPherson, KS; a daughter, Bethany (Josh) Flemming of Lawrence, KS; three grandchildren, Curtis Landrum, Cali Whitenack, and Crew Whitenack, all of McPherson, KS; his father, Bill Whitenack of Shawnee, KS; a brother, Stuart (Jeannie) Whitenack of Olathe, KS; sister-in-law, Julie (Bob) Feurer; brothersinlaw, Alan (Bonnie) Horn and Tim Horn; nieces & nephews, Olivia Whitenack, Cade, Courtney & Bram Feurer, Erin & Brandon Van Burkleo, Andrea Horn, Kelsey Horn, Seth Horn, Adam Horn, and Kyle Horn; and many loving cousins and their

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COLLEEN SHARP

Colleen Joan (Vsetecka) Sharp, 68, formerly of McPherson, KS and Ellinwood, KS, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023, surrounded by family in Hesston, KS. Colleen was born on October 22, 1954, in Great Bend, KS, the daughter of William and Dolores (Suchy) Vsetecka.

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JANIS ELLIS

Janis Kaye Ellis, 72, of Lindsborg passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Bethany Home, Lindsborg, KS. Janis was born September 16, 1950 in McPherson, KS to the late Aldon Wesley and the late Retha Lucy (Anderson) Scott. She married William A. “Bill” Ellis on April 4, 1971 at Roxbury, KS. Janis was a Lindsborg High School graduate and worked as a beautician. She is survived by children: Chad Ellis of Galva, KS , Chase Ellis of Lindsborg, KS, Chelsea Ellis (Erick Taskinen) of Lindsborg, KS, Chandler “Chip” Ellis (Carrie) of Lindsborg, KS, and Jaron Watkins (Brandon) of Lindsborg, KS; sisters: Jolene Hilty of McPherson, KS and Jazell Bersuch (Dennis) of McPherson, KS; as well as eleven grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Janis is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bill, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 daughter-in-laws; and a niece. Visitation will be from 5 p.m to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS. The funeral will be held 10:00 am on Monday, June 19 at Roxbury United Parish, 110 W South, Roxbury, KS with Pastor Nancy Modin officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Roxbury following the funeral. Memorials may be made to Bethany Home for upkeep and supplies for the beauty shop. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456. For more information or to leave condolences online, please visit www.crick-christiansfuneralhome. com..

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JAROLD LINDHOLM

Jarold “Jerry” Warren Lindholm, 70, of Canton, KS, and formerly of Lindsborg, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 15, 2023, surrounded by family at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Jerry had worked as a maintenance technician at Vanguard Plastics. Jerry was born on March 21, 1953, in McPherson, KS, the son of Victor Warren and Faye Charlene (Clark) Lindholm. He took auto mechanics training at Salina Area Vocational Technical School. On May 26, 1984, Jerry was united in marriage to Terri Lea Coker at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. This union was blessed with two daughters, Brittany and Jessica. Terri preceded Jerry in death on March 22, 2015. Jerry was an Eagle Scout and a member of Sons of the American Legion Squadron #140. Survivors include: two daughters, Brittany Waite (Josh) of Valley Center, KS and Jessica Lindholm of Overland Park, KS; a sister, Charlene Martin of Lindsborg, KS; three grandchildren, Gabriel, Quinton, & Aveyana; nieces, Debra Marsh (Jeff) of Baldwin City, KS, Darlene Gadson of Lindsborg, KS and Dorene Schultz (Brian) of Olathe, KS; and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Dan Lindholm. The memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at New Gottland Covenant Church with Pastor Daniel Parry officiating. Memorial donations may be given to Lindsborg American Legion Post #140 in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.

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RODNEY RUMMEL

Rodney A. Rummel, age 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 7th, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas. Rodney is preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Marion Rummel, as well as brothers Richard Rummel and Roland Rummel. He is survived by his daughters Layla Marchak and Sydney Rummel, his brothers Ray Rummel, Randy Rummel, Russell Rummel, Ronald Rummel, Robin Rummel and sisters, Rita Brown and Rhonda Cowart, as well as his adored grandchildren Connor Cordwell, Lucas Cordwell, Oliver Mesteth and Jynora Herrera; of whom he spoke about to anyone who had an ear to lend. Rodney was born on February 24th, 1951, in South Dakota. He grew up in Marquette, Kansas where he often helped out on the family farm. Rodney always admired nature and being outdoors, especially with horses. He loved playing sports and could often be found playing pasture football with his siblings. He also truly enjoyed fishing and teaching all the children how to set up their fishing poles to catch fish down by the river. If Rodney is remembered for anything, it would be sharing his love of laughter, sports and nature. He was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and was often seen wearing his beloved orange and blue. Rodney served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as a Gunner’s Mate. He was very patriotic and enjoyed reunions with fellow sailors from the USS James E. Kyes. Rodney lived a full life of love and adventure; and although we are saddened by his passing, we find comfort knowing he has reunited with loved ones who went before him. The memorial service will be held at The Leavenworth National Cemetery on Friday, July 14th, 2023, at 12:30pm. A celebration of life will be held after the service. Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus in Wichita, Kansas.

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BETTY FAGERQUIST

Betty Ann Fagerquist, 86, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at The Cedars, McPherson. Betty was born on May 10, 1937, in Owensboro, KY, the daughter of Lee Roy and Ardena (Coin) Coombs. She graduated from Owensboro High School. On August 23, 1957, Betty was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Lowell Fagerquist. Bob preceded her in death after 65 years of marriage on July 14, 2022. Betty and Bob were blessed with three daughters, Lori, Amy, and Krista. Survivors include: two daughters, Lori (Jeff) McCoy of Cave Creek, AZ and Krista Wenski of St. Louis, MO; two grandchildren, Ashton William Robert McCoy of Cave Creek, AZ and Cohen Elyse Wenski of St. Louis, MO; five nephews, Keith Everhart of Canton, KS, Wayne (Cheryl) Everhart of Canton, KS, Kevin (Chandra) Stauffer of Wichita, KS, Mark (Kim) Stauffer of Wichita, KS, and Brian (Angie) Stauffer of Salina, KS; and many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Amy Fagerquist; sister & brother-in-law, Thelma “Tim” & Dwight Everhart; and sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Marilyn & Jim Stauffer. A visitation/viewing will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Monday, July 3, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 11:30 AM, Monday, at McPherson Cemetery with Rev. Chris Whitacre officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to the McPherson Animal Shelter in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.

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