Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Bartley Erwin, 86, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Libby was born on July 10, 1934, in Larned, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Valentine (Thorpe) Bartley. In 1940, the family moved to Great Bend, Kansas where she graduated from High School in 1952. She received her bachelor’s degree in Technical Journalism from Kansas State University in 1956 and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega social sorority. While attending Kansas State, she met the love of her life, David F. “Fred” Erwin, and they were married on August 19, 1956. From this union, Libby and Doc were blessed with two sons, David and Matthew. She attended the First Congregational Church in Russell. She worked at the Manhattan Mercury newspaper while Fred finished his schooling in Veterinary medicine. Following Fred’s graduation, the couple moved to Russell, Kansas, in June 1959. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a lifetime member of Job’s Daughters. She enjoyed baking, playing bridge, reading, and listening to classical music.
Surviving family includes her sons David Erwin and wife Lori of Jasper, Georgia; Matthew Erwin and significant other Brenda Zahm of Russell, Kansas; and sister Jean Regier of McPherson, Kansas. Her parents preceded her, as well as her husband, David Fred “Doc” Erwin, Jr., and her brothers, James, and Bill Bartley.
Libby has selected to be cremated and not to have a public funeral service. PohlmanVarner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.