1952-2026
Bruce Eugene Battershell, 74, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away October 12, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born June 20, 1952, in Chanute, Kansas, the son of Lee Howard Sr. and Maxine Idell (Swanson) Battershell. Bruce was a near lifelong Lyons resident. He graduated from Lyons High School, with the class of 1970. Bruce received his associate degree in business from Hutchinson Community College and attended Wichita State University. He worked for John Deere dealerships for fifty years, retiring from Prairie Land Partners. Bruce also owned and operated Lawn and Landscapes. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lyons, former USD 405 school board member, and volunteered at the Rice County Community Foundation. Bruce loved to collect John Deere memorabilia and marbles, working in his yard, and most of all spending time with his family and friends. In 1973, Bruce married Loretta Gautier. They later divorced. On October 22, 1983, Bruce was united in marriage with Kristy Ritterhouse in Lyons. Bruce is survived by his wife, Kristy Battershell of Lyons, KS; three children, Charisse Sander and husband Scott of Great Bend, KS, Stacia Engelhardt of Coppell, TX, and Jered Battershell and significant other, Jenna Collins of Ellinwood, KS; three brothers, Howard Battershell and wife Diane of Hutchinson, KS, Montie Battershell and wife Kathy of Hutchinson, KS, and Galen Battershell of Kinsley, KS; and nine grandchildren, Kade, Keaton, Charley, Berlynn, Sage, Winner, Kase, Karlee, and Alice Grace. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Douglas Battershell. Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Lyons, with Pastor Joel Grizzle officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, Lyons, with family present. Memorials may be given to Babes Friendship Inn in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
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