1936-2026
Erma Grace “Bunny” Wilson, 89, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away January 27, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. She was born February 5, 1936, in Longton, Kansas, the daughter of John Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Attebery) Hinthorn. Erma was a near lifelong Sterling resident. She graduated from Longton High School, with the class of 1953 and received her bachelor's degree in science and education from Sterling College in 1968. Erma began her teaching career in a combined room of 3rd and 4th grade at Alden Grade School, then continued teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Union 5 Grade School and Sterling Grade School for many years, retiring in 1996. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. Erma enjoyed reading, feeding the birds and squirrels, gardening and being outside. On July 1, 1955, Erma was united in marriage with George Wilson in Alden, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2013. She is also preceded in death by her parents; and five siblings, Virginia White, Alma White, Laura Carter, Bill “Johnny” Hinthorn, and Verna Meise. Erma is survived by her son, Russell Wilson and wife Barbara of Park City, KS; daughter, Cindy Zimmerman and husband Robert of Sterling, KS; sister, Marilyn Comstock and husband Doug of Elk City, KS; four grandchildren, Byron Harrison and wife Kimberly of Lees Summit, MO, Robert Harrison and wife Heidi of Kansas City, KS, Courtney Wilson of Wichita, KS, and Kasey Wilson of Park City, KS; and great-granddaughter, Noelle Harrison of Kansas City, KS. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday, February 2, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Sterling Grade School (for the library) or First United Methodist Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
