Jane Elizabeth Sutherland

Jane Elizabeth Sutherland was born on April 14, 1941 in Bradford, Pennsylvania to Gertrude Paulene Murphy and Harry Orlo Murphy.

She passed away on February 19, 2023 at the age of 81 due to congestive heart failure.

Jane had an interesting story of affluence throughout her childhood, moving from Pennsylvania to Washington DC, to Kansas, and to Texas because of her father’s employment with various oil companies and even the Pentagon at one point. Jane married Rick Sutherland in Abilene, Texas and they eventually moved to Liberal, Kansas where they lived and raised their family for many years.

Jane is survived by her three children, Mitch Sutherland of McPherson, Kansas, Molly Wright of Amarillo, Texas and Matthew Sutherland of Olathe, Kansas. She had 7 grandchildren who she loved dearly, Jayme Gardner, Cody Sutherland, Bradley Sutherland, Errin Wright, Matthew Wright, Hannah Sutherland, and Carson Sutherland.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Gertie and H.O., as well as her siblings, Barabara Willoughby, John Murphy, and Sue Bradley.

Jane was an extremely talented woman and was loved by many. She was a fantastic artist and seemed to be great at painting, sketching, wood carving, and leather work. She had a great reputation with all who knew her as a fantastic cook. She made wedding cakes, floral arrangements and wonderful meals for all. Her house was the place that all of the kids and adults loved to stop in because there was always something wonderful to eat and interesting conversation. It seemed that Jane could do most anything and do it better than the average person. Prior to marrying Rick, Jane was also a beautician and she used these skills to give her kids and their friends the latest hairstyles of the 80’s.

Besides her family, Jane’s love was New Mexico and the trout streams. After Rick’s retirement in 2003, Jane and Rick moved from Liberal to Angel Fire, NM and lived in the mountains for several years. This was always her dream. She was an avid fisherman who knew all of the best ways and places to catch trout. She always made sure everyone had delicious goodies to snack on during excursions in the wilderness.

In 2012, Jane moved to the Kansas City area to be near her two sons. She lived happily there until her passing.

No services will be held, but Jane always wanted a small family gathering to celebrate her life, and this will be done. Her ashes will be scattered in New Mexico in the Cimarron National Forest, her favorite place on earth. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you simply remember Jane fondly and continue to share stories of her fun and generous nature to keep her memory alive.