OVERBROOK — Cyrella June (Handley) Birtell, Overbrook, died Saturday, June 18, 2022. She was 89.
She was born June 12, 1933, in Topeka, the daughter of Clifford and Gladys (Derringer) Handley. She graduated from Auburn High School, proud though, to have attended her freshman year at Topeka High School.
Cyrella married Theodore “Ted” John Birtell June 1, 1952, in Auburn, at the Presbyterian Church. He preceded her in death on Oct. 15, 2020. Together, they enjoyed traveling, and some of their favorite trips were to Hawaii and Alaska.
She enjoyed taking care of her children. You could find her out in the garden or inside cooking. Her favorite (and her family’s favorite) was her homemade rolls.
Cyrella was also a very talented seamstress, and loved crocheting, knitting and ceramics.
She had a deep love for her family. She cherished her time with her family and absolutely adored her grandchildren. She had a way of making everything okay. She was a very generous and loving person. She also had a strong love for her faith, and was an active member at Carbondale Church of Christian Fellowship.
Cyrella was proud of working outside the home. She worked at the Supply Depot, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and eventually retired from the State of Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Theodore “Ted” John Birtell; a grandson, Christopher Cornell; and her brothers, Charles and Joe Handley.
Cyrella is survived by her children, Carla Clark, Topeka, Ronda Wolf (Jimmy), Topeka, Sonja Wilson (Harry), Raymore, Mo., and Randall Birtell (Rovonne), Topeka; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 24, at the Simerwell Cemetery, Auburn, located approximately one mile east of Wanamaker Road and 85th Street, on the north side. The family will greet friends 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Penwell-Gabel, 1321 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carbondale Church of Christian Fellowship, 430 Commercial St., Carbondale, KS 66414.
Condolences may be left at PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
