Terry Lynn Bontrager

Darrell Wayne and Terry Lynn (Myler) Bontrager went to be with their Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at their home in Emporia, Kansas. Darrell was 78, Terry was 73.

Darrell and Terry were married in Emporia, Kansas, on December 26, 1970, at the Nazarene Church.

They are survived by their children; Daryn (Leslie) Bontrager, Emporia, Kansas; Justyn (Kimberly) Bontrager, West Plains, Missouri; Lynett (Seth) Trumblee, Anchorage, Alaska; and Yvett Bontrager, Hurst, Texas; and their grandchildren, Addison Baumgardner, Aidyn Bontrager, Amos Bontrager, Makayla Trumblee and Campbell Trumblee.

They were faithful servants of the Lord. The light of Christ shone brightly through their lives and was witnessed by many. They walked in obedience to God's Word, raising their children in the training and instruction of the Lord, and in doing so, they laid a strong and lasting foundation for their family. They were active members of Gideons International and found joy in sharing their testimonies and spreading the Word of God whenever the opportunity arose. Their love for the Lord was evident—whether at home or on vacation, they were often found in the house of God, worshipping and serving with joy. At home, they were often found working and fellowshipping with others at Do-B's Restaurant.

Daryn, Justyn, Lynett, and Yvett were deeply and fiercely loved by their parents. They took great pride in who their children have become and the lives they've built. Time spent with each child was cherished, and nothing brought them greater joy than having the whole family together. Their grandchildren were the icing on the cake—a source of boundless love and delight. A lighthearted and ongoing family debate always centered on which child was the favorite, a reflection of the closeness and humor that filled their home.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of our Lord." Matthew 25:21

Darrell was born on January 13, 1947, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Fred and Alice (Miller) Bontrager. He had four siblings: Lewis (Deanna) Bontrager, Lucienne (Don) Buell, Connie Fawcett, and Dena (Alden) Swartz. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Darrell earned his associates degree at Bartlesville Wesleyan College and later earned his bachelor's degree in education at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. He taught school in Leoti and Lakin Kansas until leaving teaching to help farm the family land in Kendall, Kansas. After accepting a job at the USPS he moved his family to Emporia, Kansas where he would deliver mail for the next 35 years; helping and witnessing to countless people along his routes. He was a jail chaplain at the Lyon County Jail. He allowed God to work through him sharing the Word to all who would listen. When asked what made him "different," he would simply say only the letter "L." Explaining you follow the worLd, I follow the Word of God. Darrell was also well known for his "Dad Jokes". He shared them, however and to whomever he could, which garnered a lot of eye rolls.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37

Terry was born on February 13, 1952, in Kingsville, Texas, the daughter of Eldon and Maurine (Hawkins) Myler. She had three siblings: Richard Myler, Barbara (Alan) Wyett, and Susan (Owen) Jeffers. She is preceded in death by her parents. She graduated high school in Hobbs, New Mexico. After marrying Darrell, starting a family, and the move to Emporia, she worked at ESB Financial for 15 years then as a financial admin at KVOE Radio Station for 19 years, retiring in 2019. Terry loved serving people in any situation. Her smile and laughter lit up the room. She had a true servant's heart which showed over and over in her cooking and baking for others as well as giving freely of her time. She loved to share how God healed her from pancreatic cancer and encouraged others with her story. Her famous line "I'm Fine!" no matter how she felt will forever be in our minds. Terry also had a sense of humor that was always said to have come from the Myler side which all her children inherited. If you know, you know.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" Proverbs 31:26-31

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at the Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, 2023 W 12th Ave. Emporia, KS. 66801. Directly following the service at the church will be visitation from 2:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Bontrager Memorial Fund has been established at ESB Financial to help with expenses and to support the causes Darrell and Terry cared about, such as Gideons International.

Donations may be sent to:

The Bontrager Memorial Fund
c/o ESB Financial
801 Merchant St, Emporia, KS 66801
Or made online via PayPal or Venmo.

Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.