Jean Evelyn Sutton, 90, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Bryan West Hospital of Lincoln, NE while in hospice care. Diagnosed with sepsis, Jean died peacefully with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Wilma (Keith) Ellis; husband, Harold Sutton; infant sister, Carolee Ann; grandsons, Jonathan and Nathan Sutton (infant); and great grandson, Forrest Sutton (infant).
She leaves her daughter, Kimberly; son, Kent (Diana) and brother, Raymond Ellis (Carollyn); 4 grandsons: Taylor (Julie), Clayton (Chelsea), Blake (Erin) and Logan; 3 granddaughters: Samantha Orrick (David), Alyssa Stutzman (Jordan) and Emma Ray (Christian); 14 great grandsons; and 8 great granddaughters. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, brother-in-law’s, sister-in-law’s, cousins and dear friends.
Jean was born in Salina, Kansas on January 4, 1935, and lived near her father’s family homesteaded (Gypsum) and her mother taught rural school. She was an excellent student and applied what she learned. She excelled at free hand pencil drawings, sketching and hand printing posters. She also learned to mend clothing and make alterations. After marriage, Jean’s home sewing projects expanded to include matching upper garments for the family and custom fit blouses and prom dresses. Jean also enjoyed playing clarinet in the band, and cheerleading for Gypsum Pirates sports teams. She graduated class Salutatorian (1953 Gypsum High School.)
At an early age Jean was introduced to the Christian faith through her mother (and grandmother.) After high school, while living in Sterling, KS, at the age of 18 she followed the Lord in Baptism at the local Missionary Church there. Then in 1955 on June 26, she married her high school sweetheart, Harold Sutton, and started a family as they moved to various locations in KS, including Wichita for 5 years, before they returned to Gypsum in 1970.
In the years that followed, she emphasized the importance of faith in home life, daily prayer and scripture reading. Jean was active for many years in the Gypsum First Baptist Church. She enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School during summer. The daily, weeklong program was well attended by many school age children in the Gypsum area. She designed poster sized charts that reinforced the Bible lessons with singing. Jean also ministered among women through encouragement and prayer. Her heart was to share the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ to any who would listen. Friends and family visiting her home were welcomed with this good news, hospitality and prayer.
No matter where she lived, she showed hospitality to new acquaintances. Her journal entries give testimony to the many that she prayed for and the prayers answered. These journal entries over the years fill many notebooks, the latest of which she kept near her well-worn bible. Her cards and letters exchanged for every occasion would include passages of scriptures and hymns which she held dear, seldom missing an opportunity to share.
In 2019, Jean moved to Nebraska to be near her family. There she enjoyed frequent drop-in visits and especially holidays and birthday celebrations where she traveled to family homes for food and fellowship. During her time in the hospital, she enjoyed seeing family and listening to scripture reading and familiar hymns. Although she was not feeling well she would manage to share a smile or an “amen.” She said if the Lord were to come take her home, she was ready to go. We are thankful to the Lord for his comfort and assurance that we will see her again.
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor 15:52
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401, with family present from 6-8. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at First Baptist Church of Gypsum, with burial to follow at Gypsum Valley Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Gypsum, care of Ryan Mortuary.