Obituaries

Jun 16, 2023

Patricia Lee Simpson, 87, died peacefully at home in Hutchinson on June 16, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. She was in the comfort of family at the time of her passing.

Born on August 16, 1935, in Kansas City, KS, to Will and Edna (Welker) Farris, Pat graduated high school in Argentine, KS. She then...

Jun 15, 2023

Thomas Smith Hymer, 80, died June 15, 2023, at his home.  He was born November 24, 1942, in Omaha, NE, to Glenn Wade Hymer and Wilma Ruth (Smith) Hymer.

Thomas was a 1961 graduate of Benson High School, Omaha, NE.  He was the owner of the shoe store located in the Pegues Department Store, Hutchinson, KS, and...

Jun 15, 2023

William Leslie "Bill" Strawn, 61, of Hutchinson, died June 15, 2023, at his home. He was born October 13, 1961, in Hutchinson, to Howard L. and Nancy A. (Kirkbride) Strawn.

Bill graduated from Tribune High School in 1980. He was the owner and operator of Strawn Garage in Kinsley for over 30 years before returning to Hutchinson....

Jun 13, 2023

Donald Joseph "Don" Murray, 86, of Nickerson, died June 13, 2023, at his home. He was born August 21, 1936, in Mound Valley, to Joseph S. and Eunice O. (Traxson) Murray.

Don graduated from Nickerson High School. He became a certified electrician and owned his own business in Johnson before moving to Colorado Springs, CO, and working...

Jun 12, 2023

Harriett 'Gail' Wolfe, 79, of Hutchinson, died June 12, 2023, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. She was born June 22, 1943, in Evansville, IN, to Julius Elmore and Anna (Fox) Scherzinger.

Gail graduated high school in New Harmony, IN. From a young age, she loved watching semi trucks pass by her small school house. When Gail grew up,...

Jun 11, 2023

Fred Ellis Lutz, 80, formerly of Perryton, TX, died June 11, 2023, at Research Hospital in Kansas City, MO. He was born July 28, 1942, in Ellsworth, to Fredrick E. and Lucille (Harmon) Lutz.

Fred graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1960. He served in the United States Navy from 1960-1963. Fred served as a "Boilerman" on...

Jun 11, 2023

Patricia A. Hildebrand, 91, of South Hutchinson, died June 11, 2023, in Hutchinson.  She was born August 31, 1931, in Hutchinson, to Claud and May (Hedgecock) Black.

Patricia graduated from Hutchinson High School.  She was a life-long home maker.  She enjoyed crocheting and collecting dolls.

Patricia married Alvin Hildebrand on May 4, 1950.   They shared...

Jun 10, 2023

Memorial service for Ryan will be

10:00 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2023, at

Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Avenue, Hutchinson.

Ryan Gene Simpson, 58, was taken too soon on June 10, 2023, in Fort Scott, KS, as the result of a motorcycle accident.  He was born...

Jun 10, 2023

Brannon Paul Curiel, 47, died June 10, 2023, at Kanopolis Lake. He was born December 17, 1975, in Hutchinson, to Lynn Curiel and Melissa (Wagoner) Decoster-Hoffman.

Brannon graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1994. He went on to join the United States Army in 1996, and retired in 2016. Brannon was currently pursing his bachelor degree in...

Jun 9, 2023

Merritt "Bubba" Roland Wright, 71, of Haven, died June 9, 2023, at Premier Living in Wichita. He was born October 21, 1951, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Lester and Annie (Hess) Wright.

Merritt graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1970. He worked at Haven Steel Production for 28 years and then Underground Vaults and Storage for...

Jun 9, 2023

Pamela Sue Newlin, 71, died June 9, 2023, at her home.  She was born February 29, 1952, in Hutchinson, KS, to Morris Merle and Darlene (Schrock) Newlin.

Pamela graduated from Hutchinson High School.  She was employed by the State of Kansas as an equipment operator, retiring with many years of service.

Pamela is survived by...

Jun 6, 2023

Jack Shearer Sampson, 95, formerly of Hutchinson, died June 6, 2023. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, wise counsel and investment in his community.

Jack was born June 24, 1927, in Beloit, to Clarence and Iona (Shearer) Sampson. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1945. He then served in the United States...

Jun 6, 2023

Jack Christopher Orr, 91, died June 6, 2023, at Diversicare of Hutchinson, KS.  He was born March 3, 1932, in Syracuse, KS, the son of William Melvin Orr and Gladys (Wright) Orr.

Jack was a graduate of Lyons High School, Lyons, KS.  He served in the United States Army.  Jack was employed by the City of Hutchinson...

Jun 5, 2023

Juanita Marie McVay, 88, died June 5, 2023, in Richmond, Texas. She was born October 27, 1934, in Abilene, Texas, to Meredith and Dora (Sauer) Blye.

Juanita worked as an office manager for Morton salt and belonged to the Sweet Adelines Chorus for many years.

On August 16, 1972, she married Howard "Mitt" McVay. He...

Jun 5, 2023

Beverly JoAnn Steffen, 63, died June 5, 2023, at Hutchinson Health and Rehab. She was born April 5, 1960, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Richard and Ruth (Lake) Hopkins

Beverly attended Haven High School and went on to work as a case manager. She had many hobbies including woodworking, sewing, cooking, and softball. Beverly was also very...

Jun 4, 2023

Steven 'Steve' Wesley Cardwell Sr., 72, died June 4, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born September 21, 1950, in Hutchinson, to Raymond Rex and Jacqueline Jane (Hines) Cardwell.

A Hutchinson High School graduate of 1968, Steven joined the United States Navy right after high school. After honorable discharge from service, he earned his master electrician...

Jun 4, 2023

Phyllis J. Schweizer, 89, died June 4, 2023, surrounded by her children at Hospice House, Hutchinson, KS. She was born January 19, 1934, in Berne, IN, to Eli and Lorena (Habegger) Lehman.

Phyllis was a 1952 graduate of Berne French High School. She went to Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC, and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in...

Jun 1, 2023

William 'Bill' Allen Garber, 88, died June 1, 2023, at his home in Hutchinson. He was born May 4, 1935, in Hutchinson, to Leo and Ellen Matilda (Gillock) Garber.

Bill graduated from Buhler High School in 1953. He worked for various companies, such as, Morton Salt and Stroberg Equipment Company. In addition, he was a Captain at...

May 30, 2023

Harold 'Hal' DuWayne Heineken, 90, died May 30, 2023.  Cremation has taken place.  A private Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

May 30, 2023

Sally Ann Foster, 89, died May 30, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born January 19, 1934, in Hutchinson, to Goldwin and Cloma (Dixon) Smith.

Sally graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1952 and attended Hutchinson Community College. She was a homemaker and also worked for four years at Gunn Music Company. Sally was a member...