Kenneth Duane Sutherland, age 75, and Sammy Jane (Martin) Sutherland, age 74, were taken from this life on Thursday, December 1, 2022, in an accident in Denison, TX. They died hand in hand, exactly as they walked through their previous years of life together.

Ken was born in Springfield, MO, on January 1, 1947, the son of Norman and Mylene Sutherland. He grew up a farm boy in Fair Grove, MO. Ken was active in FFA and received a scholarship from Southwest Electric Coop to attend the University of MO in Columbia, after graduation from Fair Grove High School. Ken received his degree in Dairy Manufacturing and accepted his first job with Justrite Dairy in St. Joseph, MO, transferring to Hiland Dairy in Springfield after 3 years. Ken retired from a career as Assistant Plant Manager after 44 years at Hiland. Ken rarely used the computer on his desk, preferring to complete production sheets by hand. He was a meticulous and detailed man who always strived to treat his employees fairly. Ken had lasting friendships with his coworkers and his employees and was never too busy to show concern or offer help, lifting many to God in prayer.

Ken was not just dedicated to his job, but also served on the deacon board at Peace Chapel and later at Brighton Assembly of God church. He was a Sunday School Superintendent for almost 20 years. Ken was a former Gideon. He also served his country in the Army Reserves.  Ken believed in a faithful God and served his family, his friends and his community in a way that testified to his beliefs.

Sammy Jane (Martin) Sutherland was born at home in Red Top (Pleasant Hope), MO on March 23, 1948, to Samuel and Marjorie Martin. Sammy described her childhood as idyllic. She recently told her family if she could have anything in the world, it would be to return to the security of her childhood home for one day, drinking grape kool-aid, playing in the silo with her brother and sisters. Sammy graduated from Pleasant Hope High School and was active in FHA, choir and drum corp. After graduation, she worked at Citizens National Bank in Springfield, MO, and then at a bank in Columbia, MO. Sammy left full time employment to become a full time mom and never regretted it. She enjoyed being home so she could greet her kids as they got off the bus. Sammy said she could tell what kind of day they had by the look on their faces as the came down the drive. Sammy loved children. She worked part time at the Peace Chapel Daycare and taught toddler Sunday school for 17 years. She spent countless hours in prayer, lifting up the needs of her church, family and friends because she knew God could be trusted.

Ken and Sammy were married at Pleasant Hope, MO, on August 25, 1967. For the next 55 years their lives revolved around their priorities of family and church. Ken and Sammy raised their children to know God and set examples of active service in the church, most recently, Brighton Assembly of God, where they were members. They served where needed, including the church nursery. But whatever they did, it was always together.

After their children married and left home, Ken and Sammy enjoyed trips in their corvette, 20 Caribbean cruises, one Mediterranean cruise and a trip to Africa. Trips to the beach with Sammy’s family were always a highlight of their summer. Sammy’s weekly outings with her sisters were a treasured part of her days. Ken and Sammy never missed a grandkids ballgame locally, and even drove 14 hours  to attend grandkids events in WY. Ken said they were busier in retirement years travelling for the grandkids than in any years previous, but they did it gladly. Ken and Sammy were raised and lived in the same community all of their lives, and they cherished the relationships built over a lifetime.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Mylene Sutherland. He is survived by a brother, Vernon (Katrina) Sutherland, a nephew, Brian (Kelly) Sutherland, a niece, Marquita (Tim) Draper and four great nieces and nephews.

Sammy was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Marjorie Martin, brothers, Frankie Lee and Walter Martin, a sister, Edna Sanders and a nephew, Matthew Sanders. She is survived by a sister, Patsy (Homer) Tankesley, nieces, Jan (Mike) Richner, Holly (John) Richner, Robin (Craig) McPhail, and Kimberly Martin and great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.

Ken and Sammy are survived by children, Kristin (Kirk) Sherman, Joel (Cindy) Sutherland and grandchildren, Zachary (Samantha) Sherman, Colton (Alexis) Sherman, Chloe and Luke Sutherland.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Greenlawn North Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn North Funeral Home with burial to follow at Rock Prairie Cemetery.

If you would like to donate instead of purchasing flowers, please consider donating to the Brighton Assembly of God – Brighton Children’s Wing in memory of Kenny & Sammy Sutherland

located at 5403 Highway F, Brighton,  MO. 65617. Their phone number is 417-770-2910.